L5-S1 Bulging Disc Pain Pattern Explained!

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In this episode, Farnham's leading over-50's physiotherapist, Will Harlow, explains the pain pattern that occurs when the L5 or S1 nerves in the lower spine are pinched or irritated by a bulging or herniated disc.

This video demonstrates the symptoms from this condition and shows the pain pattern in the legs that someone with this type of sciatica can expect.

[twnrbo]

On day 12 of this horrible pain. Bulging disc in L5/s1 sciatica. Took xray and noticed my right hip is lower than my left. Working on my glutes and core and it’s starting to get better. Hip thrusts and stretches are the best thing to people. Stay away from shots, surgery, pills, or you will be going down a long road of pain. This problem can be fixed on your own with proper diet, exercise, stretching, physical therapy. I’m still in a lot of pain but it’s not debilitating now. Mornings are the worst, but you have to push through the pain. Remember, the mind is not the body. You can magnify this pain believe it or not. Quit saying you can’t get out of bed, start researching videos on YouTube and how to get out of bed with sciatica. Flexing your core and glutes as hard as you can then use your arms to lift up helped me. Standing will be most painful but squatting to the floor and stretching out helps it subside enough to do floor stretching. Then walking through the extreme pain subsides in the morning to where it loosens up and the pain is manageable.
I’m a single dad with a new puppy, I have no option but to push through it, but it is starting to get better now. I am also going to the chiropractor, still on the fence with this. It helps, but it’s temporary and can cause worse conditions if the muscles are imbalanced. You must correct the problem, you need to get stronger and some people just refuse to work out or go through the pain of exercise, in this case, you need to get mentally stronger.
I hope I helped someone. Stay strong, we can get through this!!!

[michaeljay]

Suffered an L5 S1 disc bulge over 14 months ago, the pain severe could barely walk for 7 months, started to improve slightly after 10 months, then had a Nerve root block injection, now can walk and am pain free . This condition is agony. Good video, greetings from London UK 🇬🇧

[jerryhoward]

Fell at work. Have had back surgery on L4 and L5. Foot felt like it was burning so bad I actually cried. Getting ready for another soon L5 and S1. I wouldn’t wish this nerve pain on my worst enemy. Pain pills just take the edge off. Surgery soon. Godspeed.

[kyrstinlochhead]

I’ve been dealing with the pain travelling all from my lower back, to my hip/bum all the way down my leg for five years now. No doctor has taken me seriously with this as I’m only 27 now with it and they basically have told me it was all in my head or that it’s “just tendinitis” and it will go away.
Been to the hospital, doctors, and walk in so many times I have lost count, and no one has explained this as well as you have for me.
I’ll be making sure to even use your video when I’m in the hospital next to explain to the doctors what they’re dealing with as they could use some training.

[IancuStefanel]

Hello from Romania! I did an MRI and the diagnoses are these: Posterior disc protrusion at the L5-S1 level, ACCENTUATED AT THE PRE- AND INTRA-FORAMINAL LEVEL ON THE LEFT SIDE, NARROWING THE CONJUGATION OPENING AND CAUSING RADICULAR CONFLICT WITH THE S1 ROOT EMERGING FROM THE BILATERAL DURAL SAC, MORE PROMINENT ON THE LEFT SIDE. In conclusion, it is noted: Posterior disc protrusions at the L2-L3, L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1 levels.
I dit at the hospital, and the exercises were done in a cage: the first one involved lying on my back with one knee bent, while with the left leg, I pedaled a bicycle using a pulley and a 2 kg weight. The second exercise also used the pulley, with the same weight, but this time the right knee was bent, and the left leg was raised to the level of the right knee and then lowered. I felt better, but I don't know what exercises to do at home. Please help me!!! Thx !!!

[elliebliss]

Will you describe the pain pattern perfectly well! I have been experiencing horrendous issues with a bulging disc for almost a year (we won't go into the issues) but until I was able to locate a chiropractor that focused on the spine was I able to see some relief! I also had pain that went down the right side specifically the outside of the right leg not as a nerve-shooting pain but a hurtful aching pain. I'm 68 and a very active person - working, fitness, gardening, and long-distance walking to name a few. The spastic nerve pain was awful - now understanding (by watching all your bulging disc issues and my dr.) the do's and don'ts around a bulging disc am I able to move forward. I'm not completely pain-free -- looking I think at another 3 weeks of healing, I'm in better alignment and executing the right movements to reduce the pain and keep it away. And, I'm working on the right core exercises plus leg & arm works to keep me fit. Love all your instructions - they are thorough, and insightful and you answer most of my questions as you go along! I can't thank you TY!! 💪💪

[sunnypetawriter]

Thank you. My masseur (treated sports injuries for 30 years) did quite a good job of showing me the L5 and the route. Of course massage is great, but it's temporary reief as is acupuncture etc.

My X-ray revealed a bony outgrowth to the right of my L5 I think. But now I'm pushing for an MRI because the X-ray was for knees and hip arthritis. One physio told me 'we've only a remit to treat your hips and knees.' I was gobsmacked. Look at your skeleton man.. it's all holistic, joined up.. Sigh. The latest physio at the hospital (NHS physio not bad) has now been persuaded to pass me on to the Spinal consultant.

I take about two hours to get together in the morning.. I go to exercises class aqua aerobics, pilates and yin yoga all of which I modify to suit me ( I teach yoga to oldies like me, 71, but it's so gentle and really helps me too). So far managing on one slow release ibuprofen a day, and an occasional paracetamol.. BUT I do not want to be on pain killers for ever even mild ones.

I am concerned about getting older and living alone especially wnen I get a shock (I'm no scaredy cat) but someone coming round a corner at the pool area, shocked me. Normally our SNS reacts but calms down. My leg went into spasm. Dangerous. I need a diagnosis to make sure I get whatever help I might need in later life...

So far all I've had are exercises to stand against a wall with a belt around the things and do squats.
Great explanation and has given me more meat for my argument for an MRI. We should all learn now our body works and be able to feel into it.. and demand to be told exactly what is going on..

[jimowen]

Outstanding I damaged both my L-5 and S-1 after slipping on a puddle of Water at a major chain Store Two years ago. To this day. My Back gives me unbearable pain and sciatica. Thanks for the commentary. Wonderful

[kathyrickard]

11:34 thank you so much for such a well explained video. I have learned more from it than all the years since I was diagnosed with a grade 1 l5s1 spondy when i was 24. Im now 67. For years Ive done yoga, pilates, walked my dog daily and cycled on and off road regularly it has all helped me to keep that joint moving and strengthen the muscles supporting it. The best thing for keeping it supple through movement was horseriding. Keep it coming great job.

[eddieramirez]

Thank you Dr. Will! Got this L5-S1 and also L4-L5 for years now and the info and rehab options are better everytime and well explained and gives us hope to face this constant agony and pain, and your content is a great example of this ✌🏅grateful!

[adamschneider]

Great video. I have three herniated discs: L5-S1, L4, L3. Was curious to understand the anatomy of the sciatica in my right leg (I’m 30). Chiro is running me through spinal decompression! Can sympathize with those who have this pain that keeps you from sleeping longer than a couple hours.

Thank you Will! A lot of your videos have made sense and have substantially educated me on what’s happened to me 😁

[shauncooper]

I'm having surgery in Sydney next week for my compressed nerves around L5, S1.
I want you to know that your video here is brilliant, Cheers mate!!

[bethanyrachel]

I was misdiagnosed with Fibromyalgia and have been struggling with pains down my legs for years! Went to see a Chiropractor and she told me it’s my L5 nerve irritated! I’m currently receiving therapy with her to help it and it’s working! Best thing I ever did 🥰🤞🏼

[oknupa]

Thank you for the excellent explanation! 34 years old and I herniated my L5 S1 disc 5 days ago. I saw a doctor who explained my situation well but your explanation provided great context!

[daleorthman]

Great explaination! I wish I saw this before my L5, S1 Laminectomy Discectomy 5 days ago! Nice to understand my last 2 years of pain issues. Thanks a bunch!!!

[goldsky]

I can't express how helpful this video series has been its been 9 months and if I knew some of these key things in the beginning it would have saved me so much mental and physical pain.I sure am thankful to have discovered these.What a help to have someone who specializes in this condition take the time to show and explain what your going through and how to get through it.

[tomtom]

My MRI test result and conclusion only tells me that I have bilateral neuroforaminal stenosis, facet arthosis in the L5-S1 area. Since my pain is almost always with the muscles on the back of my legs, your video helps me narrow down the root of the pain that is the S1 nerves. Thank you so much for the video, and I will continue to watch your other videos.

[nycs]

Will, I only just discovered your channel today, and I think it is is Godsend! It's as though you met me and decided to do videos on all of my problems. I will be 70 in December, and I am suffering from horrendous sciatica, bad balance, all sorts of issues you address in your videos. I am already a big fan! Thank you.

[isernregalis]

You described my wife's S1 problem very accurately!

[skyler.w]

Thank you so much for the explanation! I got L5 S1 since 2020, and the biggest symptom is the numbness on my heels, along with some on and off back pain, sounds like my problem is more on the S1 side, I’ve been doing core strength exercises for 2 years, it really helped me with the pain ❤