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Dr. Andrew Rynne

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Backache, Unable To Walk, Cannot Lift Feet, Pain Radiating To Groins. Nerve Compression Or Joint Problem?

my mother is 70 years old and had backache for 30 years , in last few days she has severe backache and she is unable to walk , she cant lift her feet , pain is radiating to groins . what can be the cause ? is this a case of nerve compression or some joint problem or what , she is taking brufen tablets so no pain while at rest but cant walk coz of pain
posted on Wed, 5 Dec 2012
Twitter Fri, 7 Dec 2012 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 7 Dec 2012 Last reviewed on
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Neurologist,  's  Response
Hi,

Thank you for posting your query.

There are two likely causes for your mother's symptoms:

1. Arthritis of hip joints- it is common in older people. X-ray of the hips can help in diagnosing this condition.

2. Lumbar disc disease with compression of the nerves at back- this can lead to pain and weakness of legs.

An additional condition to exclude is osteoporosis- weakness of bones- which is again common in old age.

An evaluation by a neurologist/orthopedician could be useful in sorting the problem out and planning the treatment.

Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)
Senior Consultant Neurologist
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Backache, Unable To Walk, Cannot Lift Feet, Pain Radiating To Groins. Nerve Compression Or Joint Problem?

Hi, Thank you for posting your query. There are two likely causes for your mother s symptoms: 1. Arthritis of hip joints- it is common in older people. X-ray of the hips can help in diagnosing this condition. 2. Lumbar disc disease with compression of the nerves at back- this can lead to pain and weakness of legs. An additional condition to exclude is osteoporosis- weakness of bones- which is again common in old age. An evaluation by a neurologist/orthopedician could be useful in sorting the problem out and planning the treatment. Best wishes, Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology) Senior Consultant Neurologist