A bulging disc, also referred to as a herniated or slipped disc, is a condition in which the discs between the vertebrae of the spine become displaced. These discs act as shock absorbers and provide cushioning between the vertebrae. When one of these discs becomes displaced, or bulges, it can put pressure on the surrounding nerves, which can cause pain and other symptoms.
When discussing bulging discs, you may hear terms such as L4 and L5. These refer to the specific vertebrae that the disc is between. The vertebrae in the spine are numbered from top to bottom, with the top vertebra being labeled C1 and the bottom vertebra being labeled S1. The vertebrae between these two are labeled in numerical order. The L4 and L5 vertebrae are located in the lumbar region of the spine, which is the lower back.
A bulging disc between the L4 and L5 vertebrae can cause a variety of symptoms, such as pain in the lower back or buttocks, numbness or tingling in the legs or feet, and difficulty walking or standing. Treatment for a bulging disc between the L4 and L5 vertebrae may include physical therapy, medications, or even surgery in some cases.
No matter what treatment approach is taken, it is important to understand that a bulging disc between the L4 and L5 vertebrae can cause significant discomfort and should be addressed by a medical professional as soon as possible.