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Severe Back Pain With Left Leg Pain – Need Medical Advice
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Bone and Orthopedic Conditions
Question #22567
16 hours ago
23

Severe Back Pain With Left Leg Pain – Need Medical Advice - #22567

Muhammad

Hello Doctor, My brother is 37 years old. He worked as a taxi driver for about 7 years. For the past few months, he has had severe lower back pain. The pain now radiates to his left leg, and sometimes there is numbness and weakness. He had physiotherapy and an X-ray. The report mentioned something like a blocked nerve in his back. He is now working as an instructor, but sitting and standing for long hours makes the pain worse. My questions are: Could this be sciatica or a slipped disc? What tests should we do next (MRI, CT scan)? What treatment is best—medicines, physiotherapy, injections, or surgery? What daily precautions and exercises should he follow? Please guide us. Thank you.

Lower back pain leg pain sciatica nerve compression
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Doctors’ responses

Dr. Bharat Joshi
I’m a periodontist and academician with a strong clinical and teaching background. Over the last 4 years and 8 months, I’ve been actively involved in dental education, guiding students at multiple levels including dental hygienist, BDS, and MDS programs. Currently, I serve as a Reader at MMCDSR in Ambala, Haryana—a role that allows me to merge my academic passion with hands-on experience. Clinically, I’ve been practicing dentistry for the past 12 years. From routine procedures like scaling and root planing to more advanced cases involving grafts, biopsies, and implant surgeries. Honestly, I still find joy in doing a simple RCT when it’s needed. It’s not just about the procedure but making sure the patient feels comfortable and safe. Academically, I have 26 research publications to my credit. I’m on the editorial boards of the Archives of Dental Research and Journal of Dental Research and Oral Health, and I’ve spent a lot of time reviewing manuscripts—from case reports to meta-analyses and even book reviews. I was honored to receive the “Best Editor” award by Innovative Publications, and Athena Publications recognized me as an “excellent reviewer,” which honestly came as a bit of a surprise! In 2025, I had the opportunity to present a guest lecture in Italy on traumatic oral lesions. Sharing my work and learning from peers globally has been incredibly fulfilling. Outside academics and clinics, I’ve also worked in the pharmaceutical sector as a Drug Safety Associate for about 3 years, focusing on pharmacovigilance. That role really sharpened my attention to detail and deepened my understanding of drug interactions and adverse effects. My goal is to keep learning, and give every patient and student my absolute best.
3 hours ago
5

Hello dear See as per clinical history it can be slipped disc or even chances of sciatica. I suggest you to please get following tests done for confirmation and share result with orthopedic surgeon for better clarity Ct scan Cervical spine USG spine Esr CBC Emr if recommended by neurosurgeon See combination treatment is employed. Physiotherapy along with medication are usually done. Surgery is always the last resort. Hopefully iam clear with your query Regards

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Dr. Prasannajeet Singh Shekhawat
I am a 2023 batch passout and working as a general physician right now, based in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan. Still kinda new in the bigger picture maybe, but honestly—every single day in this line teaches you more than textbooks ever could. I’ve had the chance to work under some pretty respected doctors during and after my graduation, not just for the clinical part but also to see how they handle people, real people, in pain, in panic, and sometimes just confused about their own health. General medicine covers a lot, right? Like from the smallest complaints to those random, vague symptoms that no one really understands at first—those are kinda my zone now. I don’t really rush to label things, I try to spend time actually listening. Feels weird to say it but ya, I do take that part seriously. Some patients just need someone to hear the whole story instead of jumping to prescription pads after 30 seconds. Right now, my practice includes everything from managing common infections, blood pressure issues, sugar problems to more layered cases where symptoms overlap and you gotta just... piece things together. It's not glamorous all the time, but it's real. I’ve handled a bunch of seasonal disease waves too, like dengue surges and viral fevers that hit rural belts hard—Hanumangarh doesn’t get much spotlight but there’s plenty happening out here. Also, I do rely on basics—thorough history, solid clinical exam and yeah when needed, investigations. But not over-prescribing things just cz they’re there. One thing I picked up from the senior consultants I worked with—they used to say “don’t chase labs, chase the patient’s story”... stuck with me till now. Anyway, still learning every single day tbh. But I like that. Keeps me grounded and kind of obsessed with trying to get better.
9 minutes ago
5

Hello Muhammad Thanks for sharing these details about your brother. His symptoms—severe lower back pain radiating to the left leg, numbness, and weakness—are classic signs of nerve compression in the lower back, most commonly due to a slipped disc (herniated disc) or sciatica (irritation of the sciatic nerve).

1. Could This Be Sciatica or a Slipped Disc? Yes, his symptoms fit both sciatica and a slipped disc. Sciatica is often caused by a slipped disc pressing on the nerve roots in the lower spine.

2. What Tests Should Be Done Next? - MRI of the Lumbar Spine: This is the best test to see nerves, discs, and any compression. It will show if there’s a herniated disc or other cause. - CT Scan: Useful if MRI isn’t available, but MRI is preferred for nerve issues.

3. What Treatment Is Best? - First Line: Medicines (painkillers, anti-inflammatories), physiotherapy, and lifestyle changes. - If Severe or Not Improving: Injections (like nerve blocks or steroids) may be considered. - Surgery: Only if there’s severe weakness, loss of bladder/bowel control, or if pain doesn’t improve after several weeks of conservative treatment.

4. Daily Precautions and Exercises - Avoid Prolonged Sitting/Standing: Take breaks, change positions often. - Proper Posture: Sit with back support, feet flat on the floor. - Gentle Exercises: Walking, stretching, and core strengthening (under physiotherapist guidance). - Avoid Heavy Lifting: Or twisting movements. - Continue Physiotherapy: As advised by his therapist.

You should see a neurologist or orthopedic spine specialist for further evaluation. If he develops sudden severe weakness, numbness in the groin, or trouble controlling urine/stool, seek emergency care.

Thank you and get well soon

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