What causes radiating lower back pain during sleep?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am 54 years old. My weight is 145 lbs and height is 5 ft 7 inches. Almost every night I am getting severe pain in my right hip and groin. The pain is sharp and burning. It radiates down to my right leg. However, it completely dissipates after about 15 minutes of walking around. Always the pain occurs in the same side. I have zero pain during the day. This has been going on for almost six months now. What could this be? What questions should I ask my primary care physician? Earlier I was diagnosed with osteoporosis and low protein C and S. My medications are Forteo since one year, Estrogen patch over 5 years and B12 injection.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com. I have read your query completely. I do not think this pain is due to appendicitis or ureteric stone. They will cause severe pain and does not relieve by walking. You are taking Forte for osteoporosis which does not cause you this problem. It may be due to cramps, which is common in osteoporosis due to altered calcium and other mineral metabolisms. The pain may be due to lumbar disc prolapse which is lumbar discitis. In which case the pain starts from the lower back and spreads to one of the legs. It can also be due to faulty sleeping position. Many people have sleepy legs due to faulty sleeping position. It is commonly relieved by altering the position. Sometimes we sleep by keeping one leg over a pillow or edge of the cot. It may cause nerve compression and temporary burning pain over the legs. I have mentioned some of the questions you should ask your primary care physician. Is this cramp? If it is so, taking a multivitamin tablet regularly may relieve this. Is MRI lumbar spine needed to rule out disc problem? Ask whether your sleeping position is correct or not. After visiting your doctor please do update me for any doubts you have. My wishes for quick recovery.