Why does walking trigger pain in my back and leg?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

You have described pain in your lower back extending to the right hip and radiating down the right leg. These symptoms are suggestive of nerve root involvement, which could be related to a small disc issue in the lower spine.

To better understand your condition and guide further management, could you please share the following details:

• What was the cause or trigger for the onset of your symptoms, and how long have they been present?

• How would you rate the intensity of your back and leg pain?

• In addition to pain, have you noticed any numbness, weakness, or unusual sensations (such as tingling or pins-and-needles) in your legs?

• How much distance are you able to walk comfortably each day, and are you currently taking any pain medications?

• Have you undergone any investigations, such as an MRI of your lower back?

Based on your symptoms, I would recommend starting with the following conservative measures:

• Maintain proper posture while sitting, standing, and sleeping.

• If the pain is significant, consider a short course of anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen or Diclofenac, depending on what suits you best.

• For nerve-related symptoms, medications like Pregabalin or Gabapentin in basic doses may help alleviate leg pain and associated sensations.

• Begin physical therapy under the guidance of a qualified physiotherapist, focusing initially on pain relief (using modalities like short wave diathermy (SWD), interferential therapy (IFT), or Laser therapy for the back, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for leg symptoms, and continue with exercises at home as advised.

• Ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake if your levels are low.

• If the pain is acute, apply ice packs over the lower back. Later, you can use hot fomentation at home.

• Over-the-counter (OTC) analgesic sprays may also provide localized relief.

• Avoid lifting heavy weights and refrain from sudden forward bending movements, especially in the morning.

We will monitor your response to this conservative treatment approach over the next two to three weeks. If there is no significant improvement, we may consider further investigations such as dynamic X-rays, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the lower back, and some blood tests for a more comprehensive evaluation.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance at any point.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.