What Causes Pain In The Lower Back Radiating To The Leg?

Posted on Thu, 13 Oct 2016

Question: lower back pain that travels down my right leg to my foot but it only happens when I lay down in bed. During the day I have no pain. The only way to get relief at night is to sleep in my recliner. The mattress is only two weeks old and we have 5 other mattresses in our house and I have the same problem with all of them.

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Could be failed back syndrome

Detailed Answer:
Hi there.

Thanks for the query.

It appears that you may be having possible slip disc and canal stenosis in the spine that is compressing the nerves to the leg when you lie down and may provide relief when you hunch or bend forward.

In your case it could be failed back syndrome where the repeated surgeries could have caused some scars that are compressing the nerves of a new slip disc may have originated.

Avoid lifting weights, moving in jerky vehicles. Get an MRI done to confirm.

I hope I have answered your query.

I will be available to answer your follow up queries.

Regards,

Dr. Aashish Raghu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar

Follow up: Dr. Aashish Raghu (4 days later)

That is probably my problem but how can I control the pain without an operation? Any exercises that would help? The surgeon told me walk, if pain continues, walk some more?

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Back extention exercises

Detailed Answer:
Do back extension exercises, avoid sitting for more time, bending forwards or lifting weights. Do straight leg raising exercises. Walking will definitely help.

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar