Is My Leg Pain Coming from My Back?

Keyword(s): leg pain from my back

Meta description: The pain in your leg may be coming from your low back. How? It’s called radiculopathy. Learn more in our new blog.

Bottom Line:

It may seem odd to think that nagging leg, calf, or foot pain could be traced back to a low back problem… But if you've had pain in your leg or foot, a pinched nerve in your low back may be creating your issue!

Pain that travels along a spinal nerve is called radicular pain, and it's one of the most common types of pain that occurs as a result of spinal nerve compression.

Why it Matters:

Your spinal nerves can be pinched or compressed by a bone, disc, or ligament. Whichever your pain is coming from, it's important to know that all have a great chance of recovering without the need for drugs or surgery.

Here’s a closer look:

Bone Spurs: Bone spurs can form as a result of joint damage associated with osteoarthritis, and these can sometimes grow large enough to pinch your spinal nerves.
Disc Herniations: Disc herniations, bulges, or tears can invade the space of your nerves and that inflammation and pressure can cause narrowing of the canals.
Ligament Hypertrophy: Ligament hypertrophy (or overgrowth) can happen with age and injuries and lead to added pressure your nerves.

Next Steps:

Leg pain that begins in your low back can start with an injury or for what seems like no reason at all. Either way, your body is telling you to Pay Attention Inside Now!

Every day in our practice, we help people treat their compressed nerves and regain their quality of life. Reducing inflammation, establishing proper joint motion, and taking proactive steps to reduce the likelihood of the pain coming back are all part of our care plans.

So, if you've felt leg pain, give us a call today!

Science Source(s):

Radiculopathy. Johns Hopkins Medicine. 2021.

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