Understanding Low-Back Related Leg Pain
Understanding Low-Back Related Leg Pain: What’s Causing It?
Low back pain is one of the most common conditions physiotherapists treat. If you’ve ever experienced pain that starts in your lower back and travels down your leg, you’re not alone. This type of pain can be frustrating and sometimes confusing.
One of the most common questions we get is: What’s causing it? Is it a muscle issue, or nerve issue? Understanding the difference can help you find the right treatment and get relief faster.
Two Main Causes of Low Back-Related Leg Pain
Muscle and Joint Pain
This type of pain occurs when muscles, joints, or discs in your lower back become irritated or strained. It often spreads to nearby areas, including the buttocks and upper legs, but it doesn’t usually follow a clear path down your leg. People with this type of pain often describe it as dull, achy, or sore. It may feel worse with certain movements, like bending, sitting, or standing for long periods, but there’s usually no tingling or numbness.
Nerve Pain
Nerve pain is caused by irritation or compression of the nerves in your lower back, often due to a herniated disc or spinal stenosis. Unlike muscle and joint pain, nerve pain usually follows a specific path down the leg, sometimes reaching all the way to the foot. It can feel like burning, tingling, or sharp, electric shocks. In some cases, people also experience numbness or weakness in the leg.
How to Tell the Difference
Does your pain feel dull and achy or sharp and electric?
Dull and achy → Likely muscle or joint pain
Sharp, burning, or tingling → Likely nerve pain
Does your pain move around, or does it follow a clear path down your leg?
Moves around → Muscle or joint pain
Follows a straight path → Nerve pain
Do you have numbness, tingling, or weakness in your leg?
Yes → Likely nerve pain
No → Likely muscle or joint pain
What Can You Do?
For Muscle and Joint Pain: Movement and exercises that improve mobility and strength can help ease discomfort and support recovery.
For Nerve Pain: Treatment may include nerve-specific exercises, medication, or, in severe cases, more advanced options like injections or surgery.
What Are the Red Flags?
If your pain is severe and accompanied by difficulty controlling your bladder or bowel movements, seek medical attention immediately.
Take Control of Your Pain
Understanding the cause of your low back-related leg pain is the first step toward finding relief. By paying attention to the type of pain you’re experiencing, you can make informed decisions about your treatment and get back to doing what you love!
Silva AM, Amundson L, Bittencourt NFN, Hofstetter CP, Sharma A. Low back-related leg pain: A narrative review on the clinical criteria for patient classification and diagnosis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2023;53(2):1-40. doi:10.2519/jospt.2023.11320.
