What Causes Weakness And Pain In The Right Leg?

Posted on Sun, 21 May 2017

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

Sun, 21 May 2017 Answered on

Mon, 12 Jun 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Back pain right side, lumbar region, spasms very painful, pain and weakness down right leg. Have kind of weak spot when weather changes, too much sofa sitting, heavy lifting. Had this before, even in my forties....am 80 and take no medications, am not fat, not diabetic, took regular ibuprofen that helps temporarily but just took an hydrocodone apa 325 mg (left from tooth extraction) which i usually throw out but am kind of desparate b/c have work to do, small puppy, big house. Sitting here with an ice pack.......am i doing right thing or should i go to med station......years sgo was told xray sowed bone spurs.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Can be muscle spasm.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The pain of the lower side of your back can be due to-
1. Lumbar muscle strain- due to tear or pull of muscle fibres.
2. Infections like paraspinal abscess.
3. Lumbar disc herniation, sciatica, etc.
4. Arthritis or ankylosing spondylosis.
5. Weak core muscles-Strengthening the muscles that support the spine helps keep the spine in its proper position and reduce risk of sprains, strains and lower back pain.
6. Vitamin D3 deficiency.
The following measures will help with the pain
• Lie on a hard bed.
• Anti -inflammatory drugs like Tablet Motrin 1 tablet as and when required ( do not repeat a dose before 6 hours) with food will help relieve the pain.
• Correct your posture while sitting
• Avoid prolonged sitting
• Avoid strenuous activity & lifting heavy weights.
• Apply diclofenac gel on the affected area. Warm compresses will also help.

Adequate rest and proper nutrition is equally important. Drink lots of fluids since dehydration affects the disc. Eat a diet rich in fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables, nuts, milk, eggs, pulses and cereals.Do brisk walking exercise for 40 minutes daily. Get 6-8 hours of refreshing sleep daily.
Last but not least, if its unbearable take medications or muscle relaxant prescribed by your physician. And if it has been long standing illness visit your orthopaedician and clinically-radiologically establish a diagnosis to commence definitive treatment.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar