Severe Back Pain With Left Leg Pain – Need Medical Advice - #22567
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.
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Doctors’ responses
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
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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