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Lower back pain radiating to the legs: Getting to know and understanding it.
This is the longest nerve in the human body. It is formed by the convergence of five lumbar vertebrae, which connect at the pelvis. From there, it extends downwards, controlling and nourishing muscles and joints from the hip, thigh, knee, calf, foot, and toes.
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Sciatica
This is pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. Patients typically experience lower back or hip pain that radiates down the leg, usually only one leg. Common areas where pain occurs include:
The back of the thighs and calves.
Lower back and hips
The front or side of the leg.
Sometimes the pain can radiate to the ankles, feet, and toes.
Characteristics of the symptoms
Duration: It can range from just a few hours to days or weeks, depending on the severity of the cause.
Severity: Varies depending on the level of irritation or nerve compression.
Pain patterns: Pain can range from aching and dull to sharp and stabbing, and may also include numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs or feet.
Factors affecting symptoms
Things that may worsen symptoms: walking, bending over, sitting, standing up, coughing, sneezing, or straining during bowel movements.
Body adaptation: Patients may unconsciously walk with a sideways gait to avoid nerve compression.
Causes and risk factors
Accidents or injuries that may lead to lower back pain include:
Car accident
Falling
Sports injuries
Inappropriate posture or gesture.
Improper use of the spine or lifting objects.
These factors may lead to:
Spinal imbalance
Abnormal movement of fluid in the intervertebral disc.
Tightness of the piriformis muscle (hip muscle)
Sciatic nerve compression due to a herniated disc.
All of these factors can cause irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, leading to lower back pain that radiates down the leg.
First aid for lower back pain.
When experiencing sudden lower back or hip pain radiating down the leg, first aid is crucial to alleviate symptoms and prevent further spinal injury before seeking professional medical treatment. Follow these steps:
Stop immediately: When you feel sudden pain, stop what you are doing or put down whatever you are lifting immediately.
Rest in the correct posture: Rest your spine by sitting or lying in a healthy posture.
Cold compress: Apply ice to the painful area for 10 minutes every 1-2 hours until the soreness or inflammation subsides.
Spinal exercises: Try performing spinal exercises correctly. If they help relieve symptoms, do them for about 10 minutes every 1-2 hours. However, if the pain increases, stop immediately and consult a doctor.
Consult a doctor: If the pain, soreness, and inflammation do not subside, do not delay; consult a spine specialist immediately.
Important warning: Do not ignore back pain or radiating pain down the legs. Prolonged nerve compression can lead to nerve death and a risk of paralysis. Early treatment is therefore crucial.
Treatment Options: Currently, S Spine & Joint Hospital utilizes innovative laser technology to treat herniated discs. This method allows patients to recover without surgery, making it an attractive option for those seeking to avoid the procedure.
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