Could your legs be the cause of your lower back pain?

This might sound like an odd statement, but back pain caused by pre-existing leg conditions is more common than you’d think. If you are unfortunate enough to be part of the large percentage of the population experiencing lower back pain (LBP), then you might have even realized by now that it can oftentimes make your thigh, calf or foot feel numb or tingly for no apparent reason. Many patients report feeling a tugging or pulling sensation in their legs while their actual back pain is more subdued, while others may just feel uncomfortable around the backs of their thighs, with a distinct pain in their lower back. These are signs that your back pain may have roots in a foot or leg condition.

Of course, it is best to visit a doctor to make certain of what exactly is causing your back pain – non-foot specialists may take an MRI or X-ray and diagnose you as having a problem with your disc, which lies between the vertebrae, or perhaps nerve compression. There are many potential causes of back pain, and just as many possible treatments. When the actual cause of your back pain isn’t pinned down at first though, not visiting a specialist can lead to what is called “revolving door practice”, where patients receive treatment which does make them feel better for a while only to be forced to return because the problem has recurred and repeating the entire process, wasting time and money. This can happen with both surgical and non-surgical treatments.

If you’ve realized that your back problem keeps recurring, it may be time for you to seek a second opinion – and this needs you to be very aware of what is happening to your body. Don’t ignore the pain in your legs that seems like it’s just a side effect of being on your feet all day – it could be a sign that your back isn’t the only problematic part of your body. If you suspect that there’s more to your back pain than it seems, book a consultation with us today.