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What Causes Pain In The Back Of The Leg While Pushing Heavy Objects?

Posted on Thu, 28 Sep 2017

Question: about 3 months ago, i was pushing a lot of heavy equipment. the next day, i was sore and felt like i may have strained a muscle in my rt. buttocks. it gradually started to get worse and when i bent over, pain would go down the back of my leg from buttocks to knee. now i can not bend over straight leg, i have to bend my knees. did not stop working out, but have since cut back on physical activity. still bad

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (28 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Could be sciatica due to the slipped disc.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, I am Dr. Gopal Goel, Orthopedic Surgeon.

The way you have described your pain, I think that you may be suffering from sciatica- probably caused by the slipped disc while pushing heavy equipment.

Normally for sciatica, I suggest starting strong pain killers, muscle relaxants, and Pregabalin (to reduce the neuropathic pain) along with physiotherapy (including local heat) to all my patients for 7-10 days. If they respond well, I add Exercises to strengthen the back muscles.

If they don't respond well then I would go for MRI to establish a diagnosis and the extent of the slipped disc. Rest of the treatment would depend on MRI findings.

Thanks for the question. Please feel free to ask any other question.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Gopal (4 hours later)

it doesn't feel like back, it feels like muscle in buttocks and then pain goes down back of leg. do i apply heat to buttocks, back of thigh, or both. when use say heat do you mean creams. what about wrapping thigh with compression

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (52 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Sometimes no back pain only leg pain.

Detailed Answer:
HI
In slipped disc it is not necessary to have back pain, sometimes there is only leg pain.
Apply heat to back - heat means local heat with pads ,hot water bottle etc. Application of local analgesic cream is different then local heat. Wrapping the thigh with compression may not help since the problem starts from back.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Gopal (1 hour later)

does slipped disc cause pain in buttocks as well? i feel it in car seat while driving. apply hot water bottle to lower back, or middle, or both? can this correct itself? does stress affect it? should heat be applied during sleep as well?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Details below.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
1.Slipped disc can cause pain in the buttocks especially since it is radiating down the back of legs .
2. Apply hot water bottle to lower back.
3.It heals automatically if proper precautions are taken and exercises are continued.
4. Stress does affect it - it may cause increase pain.
5.apply heat only twice daily not during sleep.
Thanx

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Gopal (40 hours later)

What are proper precautions? What kind of execises? Situps are painful to do. What about lifting weights? Any foods encouraged or to avoid?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please see below.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
1.Precautions : I recommend no forward bending , No weight lifting , avoid prolonged sitting and prolonged driving.
2. Exercises: Initially Muscle strengthening exercises and later on range of motion exercises to be taught by a physiotherapist.
3.No dietary change for this condition is required.
Thanx.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D