A herniation at L4-L5 most commonly affects which nerve root?

Prepare for the Athletic Trainer Certification Test. Hone your skills with flashcards, multiple choice questions, and detailed explanations. Gear up to excel in your exam!

Multiple Choice

A herniation at L4-L5 most commonly affects which nerve root?

Explanation:
When a lumbar disc herniates, the nerve root most likely affected is the one that exits just below the level of the herniation. For a disc herniation between L4 and L5, the L5 nerve root is compressed because it travels through the foramen below that disc level. That pattern—disc at a given level impinging the nerve root that exits below it—is why L5 is the commonly involved root here. If the herniation were at a different level, a different nerve root would be implicated (for example, a disc at L3-L4 would more likely affect L4, and a disc at L5-S1 would affect S1).

When a lumbar disc herniates, the nerve root most likely affected is the one that exits just below the level of the herniation. For a disc herniation between L4 and L5, the L5 nerve root is compressed because it travels through the foramen below that disc level. That pattern—disc at a given level impinging the nerve root that exits below it—is why L5 is the commonly involved root here. If the herniation were at a different level, a different nerve root would be implicated (for example, a disc at L3-L4 would more likely affect L4, and a disc at L5-S1 would affect S1).

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy