Can a L4-5, L5-S1 injury restrict the blood flow in my left leg? Is there treatment to fix this?

Can a L4-5, L5-S1 injury restrict the blood flow in my left leg? When I received an injection in my hip for the inflammation associated with my back, the blood flow started to backup in my lower leg. Is there treatment to fix this? There is reflux present within the left common femoral vein.

Answers from doctors (6)


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Apr 02, 2014

I supposed it could. You have little arteries running from your spine that connect to the CF, but you probably would have noticed something before the injection. What kind of symptoms are you having? You might have a clot. Have you had an ultrasound to check for DVT? If you are worried about that, then an ultrasound would be the means of diagnosis. If it is reflux in those deep veins, then you most likely have reflux in the superficial system to treat, and maybe that will take some of the pressure off. There is no treatment for deep vein reflux by itself other than symptomatic relief.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

I supposed it could. You have little arteries running from your spine that connect to the CF, but you probably would have noticed something before the injection. What kind of symptoms are you having? You might have a clot. Have you had an ultrasound to check for DVT? If you are worried about that, then an ultrasound would be the means of diagnosis. If it is reflux in those deep veins, then you most likely have reflux in the superficial system to treat, and maybe that will take some of the pressure off. There is no treatment for deep vein reflux by itself other than symptomatic relief.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


South Palm Cardiovascular Associates

Published on Mar 18, 2014

No, spine issues will not affect circulation.

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Answered by South Palm Cardiovascular Associates

No, spine issues will not affect circulation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Do you have a history of blood clots or, worse, edema in your left leg? I would consider a MR venogram to rule out May-Thurner syndrome, which is compression of the left iliac vein. This can lead to blood clots and edema (usually in the left leg). In the interim, compression stockings could help your discomfort and edema.

Answered by HeartCare Associates Vein Center (View Profile)

Do you have a history of blood clots or, worse, edema in your left leg? I would consider a MR venogram to rule out May-Thurner syndrome, which is compression of the left iliac vein. This can lead to blood clots and edema (usually in the left leg). In the interim, compression stockings could help your discomfort and edema.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Mar 06, 2014

Any venous reflux you have is probably unrelated to lumbar spine disease.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

Any venous reflux you have is probably unrelated to lumbar spine disease.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Mar 05, 2014

Nerves in L4-5, L5-S1 dermatome or nerves in general dont control blood flow , but they can send sensation of blood flow . The send pulsating sensation often when they are irritated.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Nerves in L4-5, L5-S1 dermatome or nerves in general dont control blood flow , but they can send sensation of blood flow . The send pulsating sensation often when they are irritated.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Mar 05, 2014

The injuries that you describe should not restrict circulation in your leg-either arterial or venous. Reflux in the deep veins (common femoral) can occur and many times is asymptomatic. When symptomatic, it is usually associated with swelling and sometimes something called post-phlebitic syndrome. I am not sure what you mean by the blood flow backing up in your leg. You should see a vein specialist for a full venous evaluation. You may benefit from support hose and possibly compression pumps.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

The injuries that you describe should not restrict circulation in your leg-either arterial or venous. Reflux in the deep veins (common femoral) can occur and many times is asymptomatic. When symptomatic, it is usually associated with swelling and sometimes something called post-phlebitic syndrome. I am not sure what you mean by the blood flow backing up in your leg. You should see a vein specialist for a full venous evaluation. You may benefit from support hose and possibly compression pumps.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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