You may be surprised to find out that a leg issue doesn’t always cause lower leg pain. Radiating pain from the spine, often due to nerve damage or herniated discs, is common in adults who lead a sedentary lifestyle or regularly lift heavy loads. Other risk factors include poor posture or biomechanics, being overweight, and smoking.
Our team of neurological surgeons at Atlas Neurosurgery and Spine Center treats adults with leg and back pain.
These conditions are often caused by radiating pain originating from spinal disorders. Below are some signs that your leg pain may be linked to nerve damage or a herniated disc.
Radiating Pain With Numbness and Weakness
Damage to a lumbar disc can compress the sciatic nerve and cause pain that travels through the buttocks and down one leg. This pain is often accompanied by tenderness in the lower back where the nerve exits the spinal column. Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the affected leg may also occur.
If radiating pain and leg numbness are associated with reduced bladder or bowel control, it may indicate Cauda equina syndrome. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention, as it can lead to permanent complications if left untreated.
Radiating Pain That Worsens With Sitting or Standing
If your leg pain worsens when sitting or standing for long periods, a slipped or herniated disc in the lower back may be the cause. These positions place pressure on spinal discs, increasing nerve compression. Twisting and bending can also intensify radiating pain, while lying down may provide relief by reducing pressure on the spine.
Systemic Diseases That Cause Pain
Certain systemic diseases can damage nerves or bone structure, increasing the likelihood of radiating pain in the legs. Diabetes, for example, can lead to peripheral neuropathy due to nerve damage. Other conditions, such as lupus, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and hyperthyroidism, may also contribute to nerve-related leg pain.
Learn More About the Cause of Your Radiating Pain
At Atlas Neurosurgery and Spine Center, we identify the root cause of your pain. We provide personalized treatment options tailored to your specific needs. If you live in Phoenix, Scottsdale, or Sun City West, Arizona, and leg pain is affecting your quality of life, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
