The lumbosacral joint, also called L5-S1, is a term used to describe a part of the spine.
L5-S1 is the exact spot where thelumbar spineends and the sacral spine begins.
The lumbosacral joint represents where the lumbar and sacral spine adjoin.
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L5-S1 is vulnerable to misalignment and injury.
It can also be the site of a disc herniation or a spine disorder calledspondylolisthesis.
Function and Anatomy
The spinal column is the structure that allows you to stand upright.
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It also helps you twist, bend, and otherwise alter your trunk and neck position.
The sacrum and the coccyx each consist of multiple bones that fuse over time.
The sacrum is made of five fused bonesS1 is at the top.
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The areas where the spinal curve directions change are called junctional levels.
Injury risk may be higher at junctional levels because your body weight shifts direction as the curves shift directions.
The L5-S1 junction is located between the lumbar curve and the sacral curve.
The lumbar curve sweeps forward.
The sacral curve opposes the direction of the lumbar curve, going backward.
The L5-S1 junction is particularly vulnerable to misalignment, wear and tear, and injury.
This is because, in most people, the top of the sacrum is positioned at an angle.
Aging and injury may increase the vulnerability of the L5-S1 junction even more.
If these measures do not help, surgery may be required.
L5-S1 is one of the two most common sites for back surgery.
The other is the area just above, called L4-L5.
Adisc herniationmeans the disc slips out of place.
A disc herniation at L5-S1 is a common cause of sciatica.
Bowel problems are also possible with disc problems at L5-S1.
Initial treatments for disc herniation include rest and pain relieversand later physical therapy.
Most people recover with these interventions.
Those who don’t may require asteroid injectionor surgery.
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis comes up whenever a vertebra slips forward relative to the bone beneath it.
The most common variety of this condition is called degenerative spondylolisthesis.
It generally triggers when the spine starts to wear down with age.
Isthmicspondylolisthesis is another common variant.
Degeneration of the spine in later adulthood can further worsen the condition.
The angle of the sacrum may contribute to spondylolisthesis.
Individuals with a greater tilt will usually have a higher risk of spondylolisthesis.
People with spondylolisthesis may not have any symptoms.
Those who do may experience:
Spondylolisthesis is typically treated with non-surgical interventions.
These could include:
Spinal fusion surgery can be effective for treating symptoms related to spondylolisthesis.
However, it requires a long recovery time and can have additional risks.
Usually, non-surgical care is tried for at least six months.
If you haven’t gotten relief by then, surgery may be an option.
Summary
The L5-S1 is also called the lumbosacral joint.
It is the part of the spine where the lumbar spine ends and the sacral spine begins.
It helps you twist, bend, and stand upright.
Because of its location, the L5-S1 is vulnerable to wear and tear and injury.
Disc herniation at L5-S1 is also possible.
These conditions are usually treated non-surgically.
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American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis.
