Back and leg pain
Back pain often occurs in the lower back, but it may also be felt in the thighs, calves and feet. Affected areas may be tender or sore to the touch and the pain may increase with movement. The pain can be sharp or knife-like, a burning sensation or a dull muscular ache. It can be uncomfortable or completely disabling.
Spinal disease can lead to back or leg pain and includes:
- Arachnoiditis: an inflammatory disease of the arachnoid mater, one of the thin layers that surrounds and protect the nerves of the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord
- Degenerative disc disease: a disease that affects the discs that sit between the vertebrae (bones of the spine). The discs, which act as soft cushions, wear with age
- Epidural fibrosis: scar tissue that forms within the spine, commonly after a back operation. It is a possible cause of failed back surgery syndrome
- Failed back surgery syndrome: pain that persists or recurs after an unsuccessful operation for lumbosacral spinal disease (disease of the lower back)
- Lumbar disc herniation: a disorder of the lower back, in which a spinal disc is pushed out of position, causing pain when it presses against nerves in the spinal column
- Osteoporosis: a disease in which bone becomes thinner and less strong with an increased risk of bones breaking, including the vertebrae (bones) in the spine
- Spinal stenosis: a problem where the channel containing the spinal cord narrows and squeezes the spinal cord and nerves. It can be caused by lumbar disc herniation, osteoporosis or cancer
Spinal disease can lead to back or leg pain
Last updated: 22 Sep 2010
There is widespread agreement among experts that patients who do not respond to an acceptable level of treatment within 12-16 weeks should be given a trial of more interventional therapies. StantonHicks et al.
Spinal disease can lead to back or leg pain
