Are There Problems Other Than Sciatic Nerve Which Could Cause Lower Back And Left Thigh Pain?

Posted on Wed, 9 May 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 9 May 2018 Answered on

Fri, 3 Nov 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : My wife XXXX is a 75 year old female. About 2-3 years ago started pain left leg(outer thigh). Medicare/Humana. First tried physical therapy, pain got worse. Got three shots in left hip over four months. No real help. Referred to D.O. MRI. He pointed out possible cyst near L-4. Surgeon went in and lanced (my word) it. No help. MRI showed narrowing of disc at L-1 or L-2. Slight. We did not follow that. Also showed
problem at L-5. Doctor said this is usually area sciatica comes from. Lots of arthritis in this area too. Surgury at L-5. No help. Repeat at L-5. Repeat MRI every time. Most recently surgury at the S-I portal.
Still no help. She continues to los strength, now using walker in the house.
Many articles I read suggest sciatica problems should affect the lower leg, ankle and foot. We've had NO lower leg issues. Are there problems other than sciatic nerve which could cause low back and left
thigh pain.

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Degenerative disc disease at L4/L5

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Sciatica is not a medical diagnosis in and of itself. It is a symptom of an underlying medical condition. In your wife's case, the likely cause is sciatic nerve compression at L4/L5 due to degenerative disc disease causing pain in back and down legs, and muscle weakness.

Since she had already undergone several surgeries, the focus now should be to reduce pain and regain muscle strength.

Pain medications and physiotherapy are required for further management to lead a least disabled life. Please be advised to follow up with her treating physician to discuss these possibilities.

Hope this answers your question
Please let me know if you need further clarification.

Regards
Dr.Lekshmi

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (13 hours later)

The pain is lower back and left thigh. No pain in lower leg/ankle/foot. Could that pain be something other than sciatica? We also have little muscle strength.

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
The symptoms are suggestive of sciatica

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Since she is experiencing back pain, thigh pain, and muscle weakness, sciatica is the likely diagnosis. Not everybody with sciatica will have pain referred to legs and foot. The symptoms will vary depending on the level of nerve compression.

Regards
Dr.Lekshmi

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee