HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Pain In Lower Back And Buttock Going Down The Leg?

default
Posted on Mon, 2 Jun 2014
Question: I have been having pain in lower back, buttock and going down left leg. It mostly hurts when laying down or sitting. My neurologist has sent me for an MRI and today I had an EMG test. The EMG test was very painful. Although I was only having mild pain when I went in for test, my pain level increased during and has continued to stay at a high level now after. I had the test done about five hours ago. My question is, is an EMG typically painful? Before going there I spoke to others who have had test done and they said it was painless. Is it normal to experience so much pain so long after the test?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Karl Logan (26 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
The pain may have worsened spontaneously

Detailed Answer:
hi thanks for your question.

if you have an acute lumbar disc prolapse causing nerve compression then an EMG could potentially make you pain worse or your pain may have worsened anyway.

the MRI scan of your lumbar spine should show the reason for your pain. most 1st time disc prolapses will resolve spontaneously over 4-6 weeks. if the pain does not improve or you have numbness and or weakness in your foot you may elect to have the prolapsed disc removed.

this is the most effective way of getting rid of the pain although he numbness and weakness often persist for a few weeks longer.

I hope this answers you question. I would push to get your MRI scan as soon as possible. if you have any bowel or urinary incontinence this is a medical emergency and you should present to an ER.

best wishes


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Karl Logan (10 minutes later)
I already had my MRI done about three weeks ago. I have been experiencing this pain since around Feb of this year. My neurologist said pain is probably from pinched sciatic nerve. I have appt with him in about 10 days to go over MRI and EMG results. I just wasnt sure if I should be concerned about the increased pain I have after having this EMG. I wasnt sure if it was normal or how long it normally lasts for since everyone I spoke to said they had mild discomfort during test and no pain after.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Karl Logan (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Pain may not be related to EMG.

Detailed Answer:
hi,

the pain may have increased around the time of the EMG but may not be related to it. your pain may have worsened because of further inflammation and compression of the nerve in your back.

I would try and expedite the appointment with your dr. let him know that yor symptoms have deteriorated.

best wishes
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Karl Logan

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 705 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Pain In Lower Back And Buttock Going Down The Leg?

Brief Answer: The pain may have worsened spontaneously Detailed Answer: hi thanks for your question. if you have an acute lumbar disc prolapse causing nerve compression then an EMG could potentially make you pain worse or your pain may have worsened anyway. the MRI scan of your lumbar spine should show the reason for your pain. most 1st time disc prolapses will resolve spontaneously over 4-6 weeks. if the pain does not improve or you have numbness and or weakness in your foot you may elect to have the prolapsed disc removed. this is the most effective way of getting rid of the pain although he numbness and weakness often persist for a few weeks longer. I hope this answers you question. I would push to get your MRI scan as soon as possible. if you have any bowel or urinary incontinence this is a medical emergency and you should present to an ER. best wishes