What Causes Sciatica Along With Low Backache?

Posted on Wed, 9 Apr 2014

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

Wed, 9 Apr 2014 Answered on

Tue, 6 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : 3 weeks ago I reached over to pick up a pan of water. Immediately I felt a sharp pain in my lower back now the pain as progressed down my thigh from my pelvic area down to my knee and just below my knee there is some swelling My back does not hurt as much. standing for any length of time is painful. walking is very tentative.leg is weak sometimes gives out. it is my right leg

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Pinched nerve may be the cause Detailed Answer: Hi After going through your symptoms, they are suggestive of sciatica along with low backache. The cause may be confirmed by physical examination, but most commonly it is due to slip disc that is prolapsed of intervertebral disc leading to nerve compression (pinched nerve). Other causes are sacroiliac joint dysfunction,piriformis syndrome and facet joint arthrits and so on. The pinched nerve leads to numbness, tingling sensation and weakness of leg depending on severity of compression. In the follow up query I would like to know are you able to walk on your heels and toes? That will give me some idea of severity of nerve compression. May I know is this occurring for the first time. As MRI of spine is the preferred investigation, I would urge you to visit a nearby doctor who can order this investigation. Until then my advice to you are: 1. Bed rest, that is avoid unnecessary sitting and whenever possible take rest in lying down position. 2. No massage at back and you may take hot water fomentation to relax the muscle of back. 3. If the pain is severe, you should be started on pregablin, muscle relaxants along with topical antiinflammatory prepartations. Oral/injectable form of vitamin B12 will also benefit you. Discuss with your treating doctor. 4. Physiotherapy also helps. These are prescription only medicine so you may talk to your local doctor. Contact immediately to the emergency room (ER) if the weakness in right leg increases along with loss of bladder and bowel control. In brief, what you describe are concerning symptoms. Do not neglect it. Take care and I shall be glad to answer any further query. Regards Dr.chugh, Orthopaedic surgeon http://bit.ly/drmchugh Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (20 hours later)

I am able to walk on my heels and toes. I have had some weakness in the leg where it will give out unexpectedly. Sitting is very uncomfortable. I will be in contact with my family doctor on next week.

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (2 hours later)

Brief Answer: You may use LS belt for better back support Detailed Answer: Hi It’s good to see you again. After going through your reply, I hope you will have excellent response to the medicine as discussed earlier. To make sitting comfortable you may use the LS contour belt of appropriate size might be helpful in providing support to back muscles. Also, maintain a proper posture while working, sitting and standing. Keep your back straight. Wish you early recovery. Take care and I shall be glad to answer any further query. Regards Dr.chugh

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj