What is a focal disc herniation at L5-S1?

Answer

Looking down on a disc from above, [spine at the bottom], picture it as a clock... A FOCAL herniation would mean that an area --such as between 4 and 6 o'clock is herniated [bulging] out....

It the herniation is at the [approximate] 4-5 or 7-8 o'clock [lower back area] it is likely to be impinging [pushing on] a nerve as it is getting ready to exit the spinal canal just below... Lots of pain associated with this and possible nerve damage that will affect how the leg works...

If at any other area [on the clock] nothing will happen... There isn't enough disc material to have an affect if the herniation occurs at the 6 o'clock position... In other words, the spinal nerves will not be involved...

Surgery is not automatically considered where the nerves are involved as approximately 70% of people with a herniated disc heal without any residual problems... In other words the disc slowly retracts and then scars in place...

Hope this helps!