Spine | location variation | mri / ct
L5-S1 Disc Bulge
An L5-S1 disc bulge means the disc bulge is located at the junction between the lumbar spine and sacrum. That level is commonly described on lumbar imaging because it can be relevant to back pain and leg symptoms depending on the associated nerve or foraminal findings.
An L5-S1 disc bulge means the bulging disc is located at the lowest lumbar disc level between L5 and S1.
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What this variation means
An L5-S1 disc bulge means the disc bulge is located at the junction between the lumbar spine and sacrum. That level is commonly described on lumbar imaging because it can be relevant to back pain and leg symptoms depending on the associated nerve or foraminal findings.
How common it is
L5-S1 is a very common level for degenerative disc wording on lumbar MRI and CT.
When doctors worry more
- The report also notes foraminal narrowing or nerve root impingement
- Symptoms correlate strongly with the same level
- The imaging shows more than a mild isolated bulge
Typical follow-up
- Read the level together with any stenosis or nerve-compression language
- Correlate the level with symptoms and neurologic exam
- Treatment is based on the overall clinical picture, not the level name alone
Example report wording
- Posterior disc bulge at L5-S1.
- L5-S1 broad-based disc bulge with mild foraminal narrowing.
Main finding guide
This page is a variation of the main Disc Bulge guide. Use the main guide when you want the broader explanation without the extra size, location, or severity qualifier.
Read the main Disc Bulge pageClear medical disclaimer
Educational information only. Always consult your clinician for medical advice.
Variation pages explain how size, location, or severity wording changes the meaning of a finding. They do not diagnose a condition or replace clinician guidance.
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