What is the difference between back pain and leg pain

When one of those nerves is damaged, you may feel pain down one of your legs. The damaged nerve is called lumbar radiculopathy. One of the most familiar types of radiculopathy is sciatica. This can occur when a herniated disc or bone spur puts pressure on the sciatic nerve, which causes leg pain down one side. During your first appointment, your provider will ask you several questions to understand your medical history and help pinpoint the source of your leg pain.

Then, your provider will do a through exam to help identify the source of your leg pain. Additional tests, such as an exam or scan may be ordered to pinpoint the location of pain. Once you and your doctor have identified the low back issue causing your leg pain, you have several different treatment options. Physical therapy can often effectively treat leg pain caused by your back. Sprains and strains Lifestyle factors Fibromyalgia Arthritis Sciatica Spinal infection Ankylosing spondylitis Seeing a doctor Summary We include products we think are useful for our readers.

Sprains and strains. Share on Pinterest Sprains and strains are a common cause of lower back and leg pain. Lifestyle factors. Share on Pinterest Possible symptoms of fibromyalgia include headaches and fatigue. Spinal infection. Ankylosing spondylitis. Share on Pinterest Physical therapy may help to treat ankylosing spondylitis. When to see a doctor. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage.

Home remedies for fast back pain relief. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. Diagnosis and treatment for ankylosing spondylitis. Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. Types and causes of leg pain. Treatment Options Your physician may recommend anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy or injections. Integrated Spine Center. Meet the Team.

Vinita Mathew, MD. Rated 4. Northwestern Medicine Regional Medical Group. You Might Also Like. Healthy Tips. You are using an unsupported browser Please consider using one of these supported browsers Chrome Edge Safari Firefox. If you suspect your symptoms point more toward a back problem than a leg problem, call Texas Spine Consultants or request an appointment online today. Unfortunately, scoliosis can often be lost in the mix, which is why we've pulled together some of the more common signs in teens.

Yes, that discomfort likely shares the same source and we review what that is here. Your spine plays many important roles, not the least of which is providing the primary passageway for your nervous system. As a result, a problem in your spine can lead to pain in seemingly unrelated areas, such as your arms. Slipped, bulging, ruptured — these terms all apply to the same problem, a herniated disc.

Just as there are many names for the condition, there are also many causes or risk factors, which we review here. You watch with amazement at how quickly your child develops, but you notice that they may be having issues with their back.

Here, we take a look at scoliosis, which typically presents itself during adolescence.