How is this possible?
Low back pain, also known as lumbago or lumbar pain, can generally be divided into two main categories:
- Simple mechanical low back pain without radiation: pain located in the lower back, without leg pain. Recovery is usually quick and straightforward when properly managed by a healthcare professional.
- Mechanical low back pain with radiation: pain radiating down the leg, with or without back pain. This is often caused by irritation or inflammation of a nerve — for example, the sciatic nerve, which can create symptoms down the back of the leg. In some cases, mild weakness may also occur, due to nerve inflammation, compression, or simply from pain itself.
In some cases, pain may radiate into the leg above the knee due to irritation or inflammation in the lower back, even without direct nerve involvement. This type of condition generally responds well to treatment, although recovery may take a bit longer.
Is it serious?
Numbness or pain radiating down one leg is quite common and, in most cases, not dangerous. These symptoms may appear after unusual physical effort, awkward movement, or prolonged sitting or standing in an uncomfortable position.
However, you should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following warning signs:
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Difficulty urinating or having a bowel movement
- Severe numbness in both legs or in all four limbs
What should you do?
The most important thing is to stay active within your comfort level. The normal healing process usually takes about two to three weeks.
If the pain prevents you from performing your daily activities, limits your ability to work, or persists for more than three weeks, we recommend consulting a physiotherapist or another qualified healthcare professional who can assess and treat these symptoms effectively.
