What Causes Persistent And Radiating Pain In Lower Back And Legs?

Posted on Tue, 16 Aug 2016

Question: I am 78 years old and have had lower back pain for the past 3 or 4 years. Lately it has been radiating down the back of both legs making it difficult to walk and stand. What are your recommendations? XXXXXXX XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr.N.Senduran (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Suggested MRI LS spine

Detailed Answer:
Hello there

Thanks for asking to healthcaremagic

I have gone through your query and understood your concern.

What you suffer from is called sciatica(Lower back pain radiating to one or both lower limbs) caused by compression or irritation of the lumbar or sacral nerve roots .Intervertebral disc protrusion(herniation) causes this mostly.

Since you have this for years,surgery(Discectomy with nerve root decompression) can be considered.

MRI LS spine and neurosurgeon/orthopaedic surgeon consultation is warranted..

Till then you can take NSAIDS like celecoxib (Celebrex)twice daily and a pregabalin(Lyrica) tablet once a day which helps relieve the pain.

PS: The above medications are prescription drugs and you need to consult a doctor before taking any of it.

Hope this helps you

Further queries are welcome

Take care

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad