Located at the base of the lumbar spine, the L4 and L5 vertebrae bear more weight than any of the vertebrae stacked above them while facilitating deep spinal bending and twisting. Since it undergoes significant mechanical stress, L4-L5 is the most prevalent site for spinal degeneration, including conditions like herniated disc, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, and L4-L5 nerve root impingement.
Hip and leg pain can result from numerous chronic conditions, often making it challenging to pinpoint the cause of your pain. When hip or leg pain persists despite at-home care, you should visit a physician to receive a formal diagnosis and the care you need. However, learning about the conditions that may cause hip and leg pain can help you better understand your symptoms.
The facet joint is the vertebrae articular processes conjunction, covered with cartilage and closed by the synovial bag. These elements protect the intervertebral discs from excessive stretching (e.g., when the body bends and turns). Injuries and certain diseases can often cause changes in the intervertebral discs' integrity, with a significant load on the facet joints. That's how inflammation (spondyloarthritis) appears, due to which degeneration (spondyloarthritis) occurs.
Everyone has heard of sciatica, but few people know what it actually is – or isn’t. Sciatica is not a spinal condition or disease, but rather a set of symptoms associated with a variety of spinal conditions. It’s characterized by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. Unfortunately, sciatic episodes are painful and can diminish your quality of life.