Very common type of pain extending from the lower back down the back of each leg.

What are the symptoms?

  • Lower back pain
  • Pain in the rear or leg that is worse when sitting
  • Hip pain
  • Burning or tingling down the leg
  • Weakness, numbness, or a hard time moving the leg or foot
  • A constant pain on one side of the rear
  • A shooting pain that makes it hard to stand up

This condition usually affects one side of the lower body. The pain mostly starts from the lower back & extends to the back of thigh & down to the leg. The pain also extends to the feet & toes.

Causes & Risk Factors:

  • Lumbar spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal in your lower back).
  • Degenerative disk disease (breakdown of disks, which act as cushions between the vertebrae).
  • Spondylolisthesis (a condition in which one vertebra slips forward over another one).
  • Pregnancy
  • Muscle spasm in the back or buttocks.

Other Risk Factors:

  • Aging (which can cause changes in the spine, like bone spurs or herniated disks).
  • Diabetes
  • Being overweight
  • Not exercising regularly
  • Wearing high heels
  • Sleeping on a mattress that is too hard or too soft
  • Smoking
  • Your job, especially if it involves driving for long periods of time, twisting your back, or carrying heavy things.

Diagnosis:

  • For initial diagnosis, a physical examination will be done where muscles & reflexes will be checked.
  • Imaging tests like MRI, CT Scan, X-ray & Electromyography (EMG) will be done. 

Prevention:

To protect your back:

  • Exercise regularly. To keep the back strong, work the core muscles- the muscles in the abdomen and lower back needed for good posture and alignment.
  • Keep good posture when sitting. Choose a seat with good lower back support, armrests and a swivel base. For better low back support, place a pillow or rolled towel in the small of the back to keep its normal curve. Keep knees and hips level.
  • Use your body correctly. When standing for long periods, rest one foot on a stool or small box from time to time. When lifting something heavy, let your legs do the work. Hold the load close to your body. Don't lift and twist at the same time.