Vertebral endplate (Modic) changes are bone marrow and endplate lesions visible in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). They are shown to be associated with degenerative intervertebral disc disease [1–3].

Narrowing of the intervertebral disc space with sclerosis of the adjacent vertebral bodies may occur as a consequence of infection, neoplasia, trauma, or rheumatic disease. Some patients have been described with backache and these radiological appearances without any primary cause being apparent.

This case illustrates a mild thoracic spine trauma characterised by fractures of the superior endplates of higher thoracic vertebral bodies, involving basically the anterior column of Denis. They represent burst fractures and axial load and flexion may be the mechanism of injury.

Compression or inflammation of the L5 and/or S1 spinal nerve root may cause radiculopathy symptoms or sciatica, characterized by: Pain, generally felt as a sharp, shooting, and/or searing feeling in the buttock, thigh, leg, foot, and/or toes Numbness in the foot and/or toes Weakness in the leg and/or foot muscles and an inability to lift the foot off the floor (foot drop)

Depending on the pain level of your L5 S1, a number of treatment options can give you some (at least temporary) relief: Physiotherapy—Physiotherapists can help you stretch and strengthen muscles in your back. This can stabilize your back and lessen the pressure (and thus, the pain).

Nerve roots branching from the spinal cord in L1-S1 region travels down to the legs. This nerve is known as sciatic nerve. The intervertebral disc between the fifth lumbar and first sacral vertebrae (L5 and S1) is known as the L5-S1 disc.

Symptoms Of L5-S1 Disc Degeneration The primary symptom is pain in the lower back. When the disc extrudes out, the nerves exiting the spinal cord get impinged, and consequently, there is referred pain in the buttocks, hips and thighs. Some also complain of tingling, numbness, and altered sensations in these regions.