One of the most common complaints when visiting doctors specializing in neurology and orthopedics is severe pain in the lower back, radiating to the leg. Most of these patients, even from childhood, had an incorrect attitude towards the distribution of loads on the spine. Now, at an older age, this has developed into various back problems for them, accompanied by pain and discomfort.
Problems with the lower back are always ambiguous. They are caused by various diseases of the lumbosacral spine, which are accompanied by lesions in the structure of the spinal cord. An accurate diagnosis of the causes when back pain radiates to the leg is possible after undergoing a full examination.
Doctors focus on several reasons that provoke unwanted pain:
In all these cases, inaction and waiting for the pain to go away on its own is not justified. Therefore, at the first unpleasant symptoms, you should consult a doctor.
If pain in the lower back radiates to the leg, it is necessary, first of all, to identify the causes of its occurrence. A timely visit to a specialist will help determine the source of the problem and receive adequate treatment.
Already at the first stage of diagnosis, during a conversation with a neurologist and a medical examination, it is necessary to talk in detail about the nature of the pain that has arisen. Sometimes even this is enough to make the correct diagnosis.
If it is necessary to clarify or confirm it, the doctor may prescribe additional examinations, which include:
Most often, patients who seek help are diagnosed with radiculitis (inflammation of the nerve roots). It occurs suddenly, with severe pain in the lumbosacral spine, which can radiate from behind to the buttocks and legs.
Such diseases can be cured by vertebrologists or neurologists. The successful outcome of such treatment is guaranteed with timely pain relief. To do this, it is necessary to create certain conditions. Required:
If the pain syndrome is prolonged, additional injections are given with drugs containing B vitamins. If the pain does not stop for a very long time, the patient most likely cannot do without surgical intervention.
Taking medications relieves pain and inflammation in various areas of the lower back. Taking NSAIDs has a good effect. They block cyclooxygenase, an enzyme that causes the synthesis of inflammatory activators. Tablets or ointments, creams and gels are usually prescribed, and injections may also be recommended.
Muscle relaxants, drugs that have an analgesic and sedative effect, have also proven themselves well. They reduce muscle spasms and suppress spinal reflexes.
To relieve pain radiating to various parts of the legs (hip, knee, ankle), analgesics are used.
In the early stages of the disease, chondroprotectors are prescribed, which help restore cartilage and bone tissue by regulating proper metabolism.
The following groups of drugs have proven effective in treating lower back pain:
The course of medication is prescribed only by the attending physician. Usually it is repeated after a certain time to achieve a better treatment effect.
For many patients with back pain on the right or left, extending strongly to the hip or knee, strict bed rest is not recommended. Physical activity allows you to improve the nutrition of the intervertebral disc and avoid stagnation throughout the body.
Until the patient fully returns to normal activity, as well as to relieve pain, moderate-intensity walking, exercise on an exercise bike, and swimming are recommended. Exercise therapy classes must be done under the supervision of a specialist.
Massage also helps very effectively with lower back pain. However, it is not indicated for all patients. Recommendations for its use can only be given by the attending physician.
Another method of recovery for back pain radiating to the leg is physical therapy. It is recognized as an alternative to drug treatment. But not in every case, but if there are certain symptoms, and only after consultation with a specialist.
When a patient does not see a doctor for a long time and, overcoming pain, continues to work, only surgical intervention will help. You need to know that even if surgery gets rid of the cause of the disease, it cannot correct weakness in the lower back and the resulting changes in soft tissues.
Therefore, if you feel a sharp pain or aching ache in the lower back, do not delay going to the hospital. Don't expect these symptoms to go away on their own. Proper and timely treatment will help you avoid very serious consequences.
This is one of the many types of radiculopathy. With this disease, the sciatic nerve is damaged, which is why it is characterized by the presence of back pain radiating to the posterior surface of the buttock and lower leg (but the pain does not reach the toes).
Painful sensations are often accompanied by a feeling of chilliness or heat. It should be noted that pain always appears suddenly, most often it is provoked by staying in one position for a long time or, conversely, by awkward movement or lifting something heavy.
The pain can be of different types: increasing, aching or burning.
Most often in practice, four forms of lumbar ischialgia are distinguished:
This concept refers to pain in the lower back, in which the pain “radiates” to one or both legs. The cause is almost always increased physical activity or hypothermia.
The nature and location of the pain is not clear - the pain can be both strong and weak, burning or aching, it can be more pronounced both in the lower back and in the leg.
In addition to injuries and damage, back pain is caused by:
The feet are unique in their structure. They are practically devoid of fat and have little muscle tissue.
Not only diseases, but also lifestyle lead to chills in the extremities.
Pain below the lower back on the right most often occurs with diseases of the reproductive system. In women these are gynecological diseases, in men - urological (prostatitis).
Injuries cannot be ruled out, so a visit to the doctor is necessary in any case. If the pain on the right side is accompanied by pain in the right side, the development of cholecystitis, hepatitis, pyelonephritis, and right-sided pneumonia is possible.
Lower back pain (called spinal pain) is caused by many diseases of the spinal column, causing changes in the anatomical structure of the vertebrae. The reason may be:
Severe back pain radiating to the leg is easier to prevent than to cure. Therefore, it is important to know what to do to prevent pain.
With all the variety of forms and localization of pain, the cause is almost always the same - lumbosacral radiculitis, which appears as a result of osteochondrosis. Often such lower back pain is preceded by attacks of lumbago, lumbodynia and lumboischialgia.
As you know, the right side of the body is more developed, and the load on the vestibular apparatus falls more on the right, so it is on this side that the back hurts more often. If back pain radiates to the leg, this may indicate the development of the following diseases:
Pain in the lumbar region can occur after intense physical activity or during prolonged sitting. Unpleasant sensations in the lumbar region may be accompanied by pain in the left or right leg if your back catches a cold in a draft or if it freezes.
Sometimes symptoms are accompanied by elevated body temperature. If pain radiating to the leg is accompanied by a temperature above 38? C, this may indicate the presence of inflammatory processes in the internal organs.
Back pain on the right can be a symptom of the development of diseases of the right-sided internal organs. Sometimes it radiates to the left leg.
Pain in the lumbar segment of the back, radiating to the lower limb, is called lumoischalgia. In this case, the sensations can be burning, sharp, pulling, aching, radiating to the right or left leg, and sometimes to both limbs at the same time. Typically, the cause is something from this list:
• vertebral hernia;• deforming osteoarthritis;• various types of vertebral pathologies;• excess weight;• pregnancy (especially the 3rd trimester);• stress;• excessive physical activity;• hypothermia (in such cases they say “strained back”);• radicular syndrome ( accompanied by numbness and impaired functionality of the limbs);• sciatica (most often develops after sudden movements);• lumbodynia (occurs due to damage to the intervertebral discs);• pinched nerve (the cause may be a cyst or malignant tumor);• displacement of the intervertebral discs;• tuberculosis.
In addition to the fact that back pain radiates to the right leg, discomfort and stiffness are felt, full motor activity becomes impossible, and the following symptoms develop:
In any case, only a doctor can make a final diagnosis. Based on the results of the surveys conducted. The most informative of them are:
It is clear that there can be many reasons for back pain and leg strain. Therefore, if your lower back ache, and the pain begins to radiate to the limbs, you should consult a doctor for advice.
Comprehensive diagnostics involves many procedures and tests:
In rare cases, in order to prescribe the safest possible treatment, the doctor may prescribe specific tests:
If you don’t know the real reason, then you will have to go through several specialists:
• therapist; • gynecologist or urologist; • neurologist; • gastroenterologist; • orthopedist.
• Ultrasound of the abdomen;• MRI or CT;• general blood test;• blood biochemistry;• urine analysis;• electromyography;• examination of the sacrum;• culture for cerebrospinal fluid;• X-ray of the leg;• blood pressure check.
Neuralgia in the lower back is a widespread phenomenon and has been studied in sufficient detail. Therefore, modern medicine has an extensive list of methods for treating such ailments.
Pain relief is the main point in the treatment of many diseases. But relief of the condition does not always lead to a cure! Therefore, you should not engage in self-medication.
It is important not to take painkillers for acute appendicitis, as this will complicate the diagnosis and delay the necessary surgical intervention. The longer the time from the onset of the disease, the greater the likelihood of developing peritonitis - inflammation of the entire peritoneum.
If lower back pain radiates to the leg, the most a person can do at home is to use a topical ointment. You should consult a doctor if your lower back hurts and radiates to your leg.
Once a diagnosis has been made, several treatment options are possible:
Treatment of lumboischialgia with medications involves the use of ointments and rubs for topical use, intramuscular and intravenous treatment with medications.
Topical preparations for pain in the back and legs alleviate the condition, relieve pain and muscle tension. Rubbing Menovazin, Diclak gel, Capsicam, Voltaren, Apizartron ointments have a warming effect on the back and relieve pain.
But, if there is pain radiating to the leg, intramuscular or intravenous injections are more effective.
Intramuscular and intravenous medications are prescribed in combination; they relieve lower back pain radiating to the leg, help relieve tension from the muscles of the legs and back, restore the strength of blood vessels, and strengthen bone tissue.
Most often, if the lower back hurts and radiates to the leg, doctors prescribe Magnesia, Milgamma, Xefocam, Dicloberl, No-shpu, Spazmalgon injections for severe pain.
Massage and physical therapy relieve lower back pain that radiates to the leg. Thanks to the systematic development of joints, muscles and blood vessels, performing therapeutic exercises and moderate load on the musculoskeletal system, joints, muscles and discs acquire their former tone and mobility.
If a person constantly suffers from back and leg pain, physical therapy is mandatory.
The duration of the course and type of massage are prescribed by the doctor. This can be acupressure, cupping, acupuncture.
A set of therapeutic exercises is also developed for the patient by the doctor, individually for each clinical case. If the back hurts more on the right side and the right leg is pulled, the load is placed more on the right side of the body; if on the left, then vice versa.
Lower back pain radiating to the leg can be effectively treated with electrophoresis and heating.
Treatment is prescribed to patients if the procedures do not harm the body and are safe for humans. Procedures are prohibited if inflammation of the abdominal organs is observed.
After determining the exact cause, I will tell you how to treat your problem. Anti-inflammatory medications (Ibuprofen, Ketanov, Diclofenac) in the form of tablets, ointments, gels, as well as:
• decongestants - Lasix, Furosemide; • antispasmodics - No-shpa, Trental, Nigexin; • analgesics - Sedalgin, Ketarol, Paracetamol; • vitamins and medications that improve blood flow.
An easy gait and confidence in movements are the attributes of a healthy and successful person. But if there are complaints that pain in the leg radiates to the buttock, even a real workaholic has to think about treatment, because it causes lameness, does not go away even at night and worsens with any change in position.
What is this? How to deal with it? We will try to understand this further.
You can understand what causes pain if you have an accurate description of its nature. Thus, dysesthesia (distortion of sensitivity in the affected area) or paresthesia (false sensation that appears without external influence) may suggest a neurological nature of the problem.
And constant pain, which does not leave even at rest, occurs with neurological disorders, and with inflammatory diseases or with the development of malignant neoplasms.
The main causes of pain in the gluteal muscle:
The problem prevents you from moving, sitting, or sleeping normally. To get rid of lower back pain radiating to the leg, you need to contact such specialists as a vertebrologist, rheumatologist, neurologist and osteopath.
Initially, you need to identify the cause of pain in the lower back and leg. After the examination, appropriate measures are prescribed.
Painkillers and medications that relieve muscle spasms are prescribed. You should also strengthen the blood vessels and relax the lumbar area. For this purpose, ointments, injections, warm and cold compresses are used. Additionally, you can use decoctions and infusions of traditional medicine.
This is the best way to quickly eliminate pain. Massage helps you relax, warms up your muscles, and puts your vertebrae in place.
Manual therapy is especially effective. Reflexology and physiotherapeutic approaches are also actively used for treatment purposes.
At home, you can use mechanical and electric massagers, a Kuznetsov applicator and other devices.
Any problem related to the musculoskeletal system cannot be completely solved without physical activity. Regular exercises and therapeutic exercises normalize muscle tone and help bring yourself back to normal.
A sedentary lifestyle provokes the development of such diseases, so you need to be more active and straighten your posture with the help of light but very useful exercises.
When a patient has lower back pain and, as a result, pulls his leg, this may be due to an imbalance of minerals in the body. Therefore, you should exclude salty and fatty foods and saturate your diet with useful elements.
If the disease is diagnosed in a timely manner, it responds well to treatment. But a characteristic feature is the return in the form of relapses.
Therefore, physical therapy exercises and massage must be carried out regularly. Another reason for a relapse can be banal hypothermia, flu, acute respiratory infections, heavy physical exertion, before menstruation in women.
Non-steroidal drugs are usually prescribed, which quickly relieve unpleasant symptoms. The treatment is long-term, so if the pain decreases or disappears, you should not assume that the problem has subsided.
In addition to therapeutic treatment, physiotherapeutic procedures may be prescribed. And one of these methods is UVT.
A fairly progressive method using a shock wave apparatus. Sometimes four sessions are enough to return to a normal lifestyle.
But it is not recommended to do it before menstruation.
To reduce lower back pain during complications, follow these precautions:
If a person has a back pain and a strained leg, the causes should be identified only through diagnostics of the body. To prevent pain in the lumbar region from bothering you, in order to prevent the appearance of pain in the back and radiating to the leg, you must:
A healthy lifestyle and moderate physical activity help maintain health and maintain good body condition at any age.
Often on the street you can see a person walking with a limp, wincing at every step, clearly in pain. Most often, the reason is the fact that his lower back hurts and radiates to his leg. This problem is also called lumbar sciatica. Many people take this problem very lightly, believing that “it will hurt and stop,” but in fact, such a symptom is a reason for serious concern and an immediate visit to the doctor, if, of course, you value your health.
If, after physical exertion or hypothermia, you feel pain in the lower back, which “radiates” to your leg, you should not wait for the pain to go away on its own, this may not happen. And if the pain goes away, it is almost guaranteed that it will reappear in the form of relapses at every opportunity. So don't delay solving this problem.
Usually the pain appears unexpectedly, it can appear on one side of the lower back, or on both sides at once (but this rarely happens). Very soon the pain shifts to the leg, it becomes difficult to straighten it, movements and loads cause serious pain. It becomes almost impossible to stand on an aching leg; a person begins to take care of it, trying to protect himself from pain. All this does not look very pretty - the leg is usually in a slightly bent state, set to the side or forward, the body is slightly tilted.
This state can continue almost indefinitely. Periods of relief will be followed by relapses, but it is almost impossible to get rid of pain completely on your own, using only “folk” remedies and recommendations from the Internet. The simplest way to get rid of pain for a certain period of time is the “fetal position,” but this is useless advice if the pain overtook you in a public place. At home, you can simply lie on your healthy side, clasp your arms and press your sore leg towards you. In this case, it is very advisable to take painkillers.
Another option for the “fetal position”
But this is only a temporary measure that can relieve pain for a short time. If your lower back hurts on the right or left, this is a reason to immediately consult a doctor.
This concept refers to pain in the lower back, in which the pain “radiates” to one or both legs. The cause is almost always increased physical activity or hypothermia. The nature and location of the pain is not clear - the pain can be both strong and weak, burning or aching, it can be more pronounced both in the lower back and in the leg.
Clinical differences in pain syndromes in the lumbosacral region
Pain in the lower back can vary in form, and each of these forms has its own clinical manifestations:
In this situation, all three forms of lumboischialgia can also be combined at once. Moreover, it can last for years, exacerbations will be replaced by remissions, but the disease will not go away on its own. Sciatica also has a kind of “sister” - sciatica, which can also manifest itself in such situations. It usually manifests as pain in the buttocks or thigh, which can radiate to the foot and lower leg.
With all the variety of forms and localization of pain, the cause is almost always the same - lumbosacral radiculitis, which appears as a result of osteochondrosis. Often such lower back pain is preceded by attacks of lumbago, lumbodynia and lumboischialgia.
As mentioned above, the main cause of pain in the lumbosacral spine is mechanical pressure on the nerve endings resulting from a prolapsed intervertebral disc (spinal herniation). As a result, blood circulation in the affected area is disrupted, inflammation develops, and swelling occurs.
When the root is irritated as a result of displacement of the intervertebral disc, pain of a different nature may occur - dull, aching, cutting, drilling, tearing, shooting. The immediate appearance of pain is usually preceded by an awkward movement, a bruise in the lower back, lifting a weight with a jerk, a sharp bend or turn of the body (especially with a load), prolonged work in an uncomfortable bent position, etc.
Usually the pain occurs suddenly, first on one side of the lower back (rarely on both sides at once), in some cases the pain may appear in the hip joint or buttock. After a short period of time (usually 5-7 days), pain from the lower back spreads to the leg, and it seriously interferes with straightening the affected limb. A person begins to instinctively “take care” of the diseased limb, protecting it from stress. For example, when walking, a person stops stepping on the entire foot, resulting in lameness when walking, the affected leg almost always remains in a half-bent state and is sometimes set to the side or forward - away from the main load.
When pain haunts you... take the fetal position
The simplest way to get rid of pain for a while, as we have already said, is the “fetal position” - lying on your healthy side, tuck the sore leg to your stomach. If the pain spreads to both legs, then the patient has to lie on his back, pulling both bent legs towards him. A person will not be able to turn over on his stomach - in this case the pain will increase sharply.
Quite typical is a sharp increase in pain with absolutely any movement, be it walking, turning the body, or simply trying to get out of bed. Even talking, coughing or sneezing can make the pain worse. In some cases, the pain becomes so severe that it prevents the person from sleeping. As a result, a person becomes depressed and may develop depression. This is why people with spinal problems are often given an appointment with a psychologist.
Often, the pain syndrome caused by compression of the spinal cord roots is accompanied by sensitivity disorders: a decrease or increase in pain sensitivity; a burning sensation, numbness, tightening, coldness, a crawling sensation, etc. may appear in the affected leg.
What is also very unpleasant is that pain in the lumbosacral spine, radiating to the leg, almost always returns in the form of relapses. Unless, of course, full treatment was carried out, but even in this case a person must know some rules and follow certain standards. The main causes of relapses are colds, hypothermia, heavy physical activity, etc.
The first aid remedy in such a situation is almost always an effective pain reliever. But this is only a temporary remedy that masks the pain; you cannot do without the help of a doctor in such a situation . The doctor will almost certainly prescribe serious treatment, which will include taking chondroprotectors, limiting activity, massage, physical therapy, etc.
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One of the most common reasons for visiting a neurologist and surgeon is lower back pain, radiating to the leg or side. Symptoms especially appear after stress on the spine. Such pain is a serious reason for diagnosis and diagnosis.
People over 35 years of age, in particular those working in sedentary positions, are most susceptible to back diseases. All this becomes a consequence of an incorrect lifestyle since childhood.
There are many reasons for back pain, so to get to the root of the problem, you need to consult different doctors.
This is a lesion of the spinal nerve at its root, that is, at the point of separation from the spinal cord. This root contains many motor nerves. Compression of the nerve is caused by congenital defects of the spine, a passive lifestyle, heavy load on the spine, hypothermia, infections, injuries and tumors. A common cause is also osteochondrosis.
For treatment, a special diet is used, which consists of excluding fatty foods, fish, and foods that retain water.
Characterized by acute shooting pain in the lumbar region. Lumbago is considered a serious disease of the spine.
Attacks are triggered by temperature changes or when there is stress on the lower back. Unpleasant sensations completely constrain a person, preventing him from making any movements, bends or turns. The pain may not go away for months.
A characteristic feature of this pathology is protrusion of the lumbar vertebrae. Lumbago is treated using different methods:
Ischia is a disease of the sciatic nerve. Another name is sacral radiculitis. It appears when a root is compressed in the lumbar region.
For treatment, the doctor usually prescribes complex therapy, which includes:
The advanced stage of sciatica threatens surgical intervention. The operation is prescribed in the case of:
The operation is prescribed by the doctor individually for each patient, after making an accurate diagnosis.
The disease is characterized by the proliferation of cartilage tissue in the spine. Because of this, the nerves are pinched, causing pain in various organs.
Treatment is carried out using different methods:
Scoliosis is a common disease among both adults and children. This is a displacement of the spine to the right or left. Occurs after prolonged incorrect position while walking and sitting.
The first signs of a hernia are sharp pains that radiate to the left leg. A hernia is characterized by rupture of the fibrous membrane. Painful sensations can spread not only to the leg, but also to other parts of the body.
If a hernia occurs, it is important to start treatment on time. In the first stages, therapeutic exercises are prescribed, which helps restore the muscle corset.
Often during pregnancy, especially in the early stages, women experience lower back pain. This occurs due to a shift in the center of gravity of the abdomen, in which the child develops. The spine experiences excess pressure, which is where spasms and clamps appear.
For prevention, special bandages are used, it is recommended to take vitamins and monitor your posture.
In order to prescribe treatment, it is necessary to make an accurate diagnosis. Neurologists, surgeons and orthopedists specialize in such problems. An MRI, radiography and visual examination of the patient are performed.
They begin treatment in a hospital, prescribing the patient medications with an analgesic effect, as well as massage and physical therapy. In the first stages, within a few days after the examination, the specialist can name the cause of the pain.
In most cases, back diseases are much easier to prevent than to treat. To do this, you just need to carefully monitor yourself and your rhythm of life.
Lower back pain is common. Mature, middle-aged people turn to doctors with complaints of lumbar pain.
Lumbar pain is a symptom of many diseases. To determine the cause, you will have to visit a doctor. Severe or aching pain in the lumbar region is the cause of disease not only of the musculoskeletal system, but also of the internal organs. Self-treatment, without a correct diagnosis, is dangerous.
Examination reveals tumors of the spinal cord or sacral plexus. In such cases, the lower back, buttocks, and limbs hurt, and sweating is impaired.
Sometimes there is no pain in the lower back, the patient experiences pain in the legs, if the causes of the disease are not identified, appropriate treatment cannot be prescribed.
The manifestations of lower back pain radiating to the leg are different. Based on the nature of the pain and location, the cause is determined.
The intensity and course of painful symptoms radiating to the right or left leg depends on the stage of development of pathological changes, on the tolerance of pain by the patient (pain threshold).
Pain in the lumbar column is a consequence of metabolic disorders in the spine; the cartilage tissue of the intervertebral discs loses its elasticity and becomes denser. Gradual deformation of the discs occurs, which leads to compression of the nerve endings, blood vessels near the deformed disc, tissues and muscles are deprived of sufficient blood supply. The spine is nourished by the surrounding muscles; lack of nutrition leads to pathological irreversible changes in the structure of the spine.
The cause of lumbar pain is infectious and inflammatory non-infectious diseases.
More often, patients complain of lower back pain radiating (radiating) to the back surface of the left or right leg. Sensations arise due to inflammation of the compressed roots of the sciatic nerve (lumbosacral radiculitis). This is the largest nerve of the human body, the longest. Runs from the spine through the buttock, along the length of the leg to the toes. The structure of the nerve explains its vulnerability. Causes of pain:
Nerve roots, when pinched, cause pain radiating to the left or right buttock and leg. After lifting weights or turning sharply in an inclined position, a sharp, piercing pain occurs on the left or right. It gets worse with movement, coughing, sneezing, and talking.
Over time, the pain dulls. After 5-7 days, pain begins to spread to the limbs. Wanting to protect the limb from loads that cause suffering, a person tries not to step on the leg and keeps it in a half-bent position.
Symptoms of radicular syndrome: nagging pain, limb numbness, feeling of “running goosebumps”, sensitivity is impaired. Sometimes the stomach and heart hurt, these sensations disappear after the elimination of the radicular syndrome.
It is necessary to prescribe complex treatment, including analgesic blockades, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, ointments, and chondroprotectors. In the absence of contraindications, the doctor will prescribe massage, electrophoresis, and other physical procedures.
As relief begins, begin doing a set of exercises to stretch the spine to release the compressed nerve roots. If treatment is not started on time, the process of degenerative destruction will continue, compression of the roots will increase, and impaired blood flow will lead to muscle atrophy.
This disease is being diagnosed more and more often. There are many reasons for its development:
Complex treatment includes gymnastic exercises that strengthen the muscular corset of the spine. You can begin exercises after acute pain subsides.
There is constant aching in the lower back, pulling along the right or left back and side of the thigh, numbness in the toes, tingling in the legs. The cause is lumbar hernia. While the hernia is small (protrusion), the disease manifests itself as pain in the lumbar region. As the hernia increases, the compression on the nerve endings increases, the pain intensifies, and appears in the legs (right or left), from the hip and below, to the foot.
The pain is periodic, subsiding at rest and worsening after exercise. Depending on the pinched nerve endings, the thigh, lower leg, heel, and foot hurt. These symptoms are accompanied by lower back stiffness and weakness in the limbs.
The unpleasant sensations are vague, localized in one place, pulling in different parts of the leg. Extensive symptoms are explained by the protrusion of hernias on several discs, or several hernias protruding on one disc. Then the symptoms are layered, pain signals appear on the right and left. The pain radiates from both sides even with advanced disease.
After making a diagnosis, a doctor - a neurologist or vertebrologist - prescribes medication. Anti-inflammatory and painkillers are prescribed, as well as a course of taking chondroprotectors. A doctor's supervision is required. A course of exercises is prescribed on the recommendation of a doctor.
Treatment of some diseases is contraindicated in the presence of other pathologies and provokes their development. Go through a comprehensive diagnosis to understand why pain occurs, and only then carry out the necessary therapy.
Hello, dear readers! Do you have lower back pain and pain in your leg? What does it mean?
How to find the cause and provide emergency help to yourself?
Now I will answer all these questions, and you read, but do not forget that such symptoms should definitely be a reason for a visit to the hospital.
• various types of vertebral pathologies;
• pregnancy (especially 3rd trimester);
• excessive physical activity;
• hypothermia (in such cases they say “strained back”);
• radicular syndrome (accompanied by numbness and impaired functionality of the limbs);
• sciatica (most often develops after sudden movements);
• lumbodynia (occurs due to damage to the intervertebral discs);
• pinched nerve (the cause may be a cyst or malignant tumor);
• displacement of intervertebral discs;
It is almost impossible to determine the cause on your own. To do this, you need to undergo an examination using modern diagnostic equipment and tests. These are not all the reasons why lower back pain radiates to the leg. There are also additional ones that I also suggest considering.
• pathologies of the genitourinary system in women and men (in this case, the symptom will be concentrated in the lower abdomen);
• osteoporosis (accompanied by crunching);
• spinal fracture (occurs due to trauma);
• disc protrusion (initial stage of hernia);
• chronic form of meningitis;
• neuralgia (nerve inflammation);
• renal pathologies (the symptom is concentrated at the back);
Don't try to diagnose yourself. Let the doctors do this. But you can still suspect the true cause by the nature of the symptom.
If the symptoms extend to the upper limb (hip), then most likely the cause is a protrusion or herniated disc. In addition, similar symptoms are provoked by spinal cord tumors.
If sweating is also impaired, then the cause is most likely vasculitis, neuropathy of the sciatic nerve.
A dull, painful sensation radiating to the back of the leg may indicate piriformis syndrome, neuropathy, or a pinched or inflamed sciatic nerve. By the way, in the latter case the symptoms will be concentrated in the buttocks area.
If the symptoms move to the lateral area of the thigh, then the cause may be a hernia or pathology of the hip joint, as well as tunnel syndrome (if the symptoms are burning).
Symptoms concentrated in the lower abdomen and in the front of the thigh often occur after operations in the lower abdomen or with appendicitis or a ruptured hernia. If the cause is very serious, then the functionality of the lower extremities is impaired, numbness and muscle weakness are felt.
Simultaneous symptoms in the knee and lower back often indicate orthopedic disorders of the hip joint, and also occur with oncological pathologies of the genitourinary system.
If the cause was a pelvic fracture, then additional symptoms will be: numbness, crawling sensation, muscle weakness.
First of all, at home you need to ensure yourself peace and take a painkiller non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, for example, Ibuprofen. But what if the symptoms are so strong that they literally make a person bend over and immobilize?
In such a situation, you need to immediately call an ambulance and not wait until it goes away on its own. The ER doctor will most likely give you an injection of painkiller, and if the injection does not help, then you will be admitted to the hospital for emergency examination.
Let's say you took a painkiller and the symptoms went away. That's it, can you relax and forget about it? No, of course, in the near future be sure to visit the clinic and get examined. And which doctor to go to and how the examination is carried out, read below.
• gynecologist or urologist;
You will be prescribed the following diagnostic procedures: