What does "L5-S1 nerve root" mean in a report or doctor's letter? In our medical dictionary, you will find a patient-friendly explanation of the meaning of this medical term.
The L5-S1 nerve root is a term used in medicine to refer to a specific part of the spine. It's the area where the last bone of the lower back (L5) connects with the first bone of the sacrum (S1), which is the bone at the base of the spine. Nerve roots are like electrical wires that pass through the spine, carrying messages between the brain and muscles. Damage or pressure on the L5-S1 nerve root can cause pain or numbness in certain parts of the body.
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