Your symptoms and CT finding are consistent with right-sided sciatica from an L5–S1 disc protrusion, which commonly causes burning/electric pain down the leg and often worsens after pregnancy due to spinal strain. An MRI lumbar spine is useful (and preferred over CT) to better assess nerve compression and guide treatment; most patients improve with medications, activity modification, and guided physiotherapy, while injections or surgery are considered only if pain or weakness persists. Specialist consultation: see a spine orthopedic surgeon or neurosurgeon to review imaging, optimize pain control, and advise when to safely start exercises (usually after pain is controlled).
A disc protrusion at L5-S1 compressing or irritating the sciatic nerve could indeed explain the burning, electric shock-like pain you’re experiencing. This is a common site for disc issues that can result in sciatica, and your symptoms are quite typical. Initial management includes conservative treatment such as NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen to help reduce inflammation and pain, but do check with your doctor first, especially given it’s postpartum. Using hot/cold packs, alternating between them might provide some relief — 15 to 20 minutes per session, a few times a day. Physical therapy is often beneficial, although timing is key; once the acute pain is under control, you can start gentle stretching and strengthening exercises under guidance. But be cautious with any activity that increases symptoms. Given your significant symptoms, an MRI could provide more detail on the disc problem compared to a CT scan, particularly soft tissues and nerve involvements, and might be advisable if symptoms persist or worsen. In some cases, nerve root injections or even surgery may be considered if conservative options don’t help enough after several weeks. Observing for red flags like bladder/bowel changes or significant weakness is crucial, as these would need immediate attention. Rest is crucial, but prolonged bed rest is not recommended; try to return to gentle activity as soon as suitable. Engage your doctor to build a comprehensive plan that takes your health history and current situation into account. Do not hesitate to seek more specialized care if pain continues to affect daily functioning.
Hello dear See as per clinical history it seems right foot S1 nerve irritation due to L5 -S1 disc protrusion See after pregnancy there are certain side-effects like spine curvature increase and weakened abdominal muscles You should take below precautions for improvement Take lumbar support belt Avoid heavy weight lifting Star mild excercise of pelvic twists and bhujang asan Hot fomentation application There may be requirement of following medication Etorocoxeb Diclofenac sodium gel topical application Pregablin Naproxen or baclofen Please take these medicines only after recommendation by concerned physician only In addition please get following tests done and share result with concerned physician only Mri lumbar USG spine X ray spine USG foot if recommended by concerned physician Regards
Your symptoms and CT scan findings are consistent with right-sided L5–S1 disc protrusion causing nerve root irritation (sciatica). The burning, electric-shock–like pain radiating down the leg and worsening with movement strongly supports nerve compression rather than simple muscle pain. Pregnancy, especially twin pregnancy, likely contributed by increasing spinal load and disc stress.
At your age, this condition is usually managed conservatively first, with good outcomes in most patients.
Hello Nadia, thank you for sharing your concern. Firstly I want to clarify that your situation is painful and disabling but not usually dangerous unless some danger signs are present.
Visit a doctor urgently if: Progressive leg weakness, Numbness in groin / saddle area, Loss of bladder or bowel control, Severe night pain not relieved by rest.
You should get an MRI done. Get done MRI Lumbosacral spine (non-contrast).
Regarding medications - It would be better for you if you consult an Orthopedic doctor and take a prescription from him/her. They will do so after examining you properly and cater the medicines according to your needs. Don’t take chat prescriptions, it’ll do more harm than benefit. Better take a one to one consultation with an Orthopedic doctor.
Till then you can safely take- - Tab. Methylcobalamin 1500mcg + Pregabalin 75mg at night × 7 days. - Tab. Paracetamol 650mg when pain appears. - Take this prescription for only 7 days. Proper prescription should be given by an Orthopedic doctor. - Avoid self-medication—doses must be adjusted individually.
Activity modification- Avoid: Bending forward, Lifting weight, Sitting on the floor, Long sitting without back support. Do: Sleep on side with pillow between knees, Firm mattress, Short walks (as tolerated). Complete bed rest is NOT advised
When can you start exercises?- NOT during acute severe pain. Start physiotherapy when: Pain intensity reduces, You can walk short distances without sharp pain. Avoid: Forward bending exercises, Yoga poses involving flexion/twisting, Unsupvised YouTube exercises initially.
80–90% improve without surgery. Disc protrusions often shrink over time. With rehab, you can return to normal activity.
Feel free to reach out again.
Regards, Dr. Nirav Jain MBBS, D.Fam.Medicine
Hello
What’s happening: The L5–S1 disc is pressing on the nerve → causes burning/electric pain down the leg (classic sciatica). Pregnancy can trigger or worsen this due to strain and posture changes.
ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS
1. Treatment options First line: medicines + physiotherapy + rest Most cases improve without surgery
2. Medications Pain relief: Paracetamol ± NSAIDs Nerve pain: Gabapentin / Pregabalin Muscle relaxant: short-term only (Doctor supervision needed)
3. Pain relief measures Avoid bending, lifting, long sitting Use firm mattress Hot fomentation for back Gentle walking as tolerated
4. When to start exercises After acute pain reduces (usually 1–2 weeks) Start with gentle core & back exercises under physiotherapist guidance
5. Need MRI? Yes, MRI lumbar spine is recommended Especially since pain is persistent and affecting walking MRI is better than CT for discs and nerves
6. Surgery needed? Not now Only if pain lasts >6–8 weeks despite treatment or if weakness develops
Most patients recover well with conservative care.
I trust its clear and helpful Thank you! Take care
