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Is Pain In The Buttocks, Thighs And Legs Indicative Of Sciatica Pain?

Posted on Fri, 24 Nov 2023

Question: I suspect my sciatic nerve is giving me pain in the buttocks, back of my thighs, down the right leg, into the calf and ankle. This is not new, but the worst I've had. Currently, I'm on a Med-dose pack. I don't know if it is helping or not. I'm extremely fatigued, can't remember some people's names for a while, and wonder if this could be MS. I've had double vision which was scary. Should I see a neurologist? I've seen a chiropractor which has helped somewhat but the piriformis and right leg don't seem to be improving. My balance is not good. I'm a healthy 81 year-old, and quite active. But this is debilitating.

Answered by Dr. Ornela Ademovi (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:

MRI needed

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

The symptoms you refer do not have to be related. The pain in the buttocks, on the back of your thighs and down the leg is indicative of sciatic pain.

So I recommend you do an MRI of the spine as your doctor suggested.

The extreme fatigue, memory loss, and the double vision are very concerning and I strongly recommend you see a neurologist for further investigation.

MS is only a possibility. You will need blood work, a neurological exam and a head MRI done.

This would rule out gland disorders, such as diabetes and thyroid problems, metabolic disorders and neurological causes.

Hope I have answered your query.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Ornela Ademovi, General & Family Physician

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana