This surgery is not very common and includes a complete replacement of the intervertebral disc to relieve nerve root compression and replace it with an artificial implant. Nerve root compression is relieved by trimming and/or removing a part of the facet joints. The opening for the spinal nerve root (intervertebral foramen) is enlarged by trimming bony overgrowth, relieving compression. See Lumbar Laminectomy Surgery for Spinal Stenosis (Open Decompression) A part or all of the lamina (area of bone at the back of the vertebra) is removed in order to provide more room for the cauda equina. See Microdiscectomy (Microdecompression) Spine Surgery A portion of the bone adjacent to the nerve root may also be trimmed to relieve compression. In this surgery, a small part of the disc material near the nerve root is taken out. Lumbar spine surgeries to relieve compression of a nerve root and/or the cauda equina are usually performed using minimally invasive techniques and include: Surgery may also be advised in cases of tumors or infections. For a successful surgical outcome, a structural condition that is known to be responsive to surgical treatment must be present. Surgery may be considered when the neurological deficits, such as numbness and/or weakness continue to worsen despite several weeks of nonsurgical treatments. These injections may carry a small risk of bleeding and/or nerve damage in the lumbar region. Injection treatments are usually considered after nonsurgical methods are tried for several weeks with no pain relief. See Selective Nerve Root Block Injections Injections may also be used diagnostically as a selective nerve block to confirm the nerve root as the cause of the leg pain and is typically helpful prior to surgery. Fluoroscopic guidance helps improve the diagnostic accuracy and decreases procedural risks. While performing injection treatments, fluoroscopic (x-ray) guidance with radiopaque contrast dye is usually used for correct needle placement. This resulting lesion prevents the nerve from sending pain signals to the brain. A part of the pain-transmitting nerve is heated with a radiofrequency needle to create a heat lesion. Radiofrequency ablation may be used to treat pain stemming from the L4-L5 vertebral facet joints. See Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injections for Low Back Pain and Sciatica These injections are more effective in treating the inflammatory causes of pain, such as pain from herniated disc fragments, and are typically less effective for compressive causes of pain. Steroids injected directly into the spinal epidural space can help decrease inflammation and reduce the sensitivity of nerve fibers to pain, generating fewer pain signals. It is important to use correct posture while standing, sitting, walking, lying down, and lifting items off the floor to maintain a normal spinal curvature and minimize stresses on the spine.Īdditionally, staying active, following an exercise-routine, quitting smoking, and reducing weight in overweight individuals can help lower the risk of problems stemming from L4-L5.ĭifferent types of injection treatments can help reduce inflammation and/or stop the L4-L5 pain impulses from reaching the brain. High-intensity exercise and lifting heavy weights.Sudden, abrupt movements, such as jumping.To promote healing and/or prevent an L4-L5 injury from becoming worse, a few tips include avoiding: See Chiropractic Treatments for Lower Back Pain Chiropractic adjustment of the lumbar spine may help relieve pain stemming from the L4-L5 motion segment. See Physical Therapy for Low Back Pain Relief These therapies help stabilize the back and keep the muscles and joints well-conditioned-providing long-term relief. Exercise and physical therapy can be modified to specifically target pain stemming from L4-L5 and the lower back. See Medications for Back Pain and Neck Pain For more severe pain, opioids, tramadol, and/or corticosteroids may be used. Typically, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are usually tried first. Both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications are used to help relieve pain from L4-L5. Nonsurgical treatments of the L4-L5 motion segment include: In cases where the back and/or leg symptoms do not improve with nonsurgical treatments, or in case of certain medical emergencies, surgery may be considered. Treatment of the L4-L5 spinal motion segment typically begins with nonsurgical methods.

Shifted spine