[43F] Experiencing burning sensation in legs and low back ache

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible explanations for your symptoms could include:

• Sciatica: This is a condition where pain radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. It's usually caused by a herniated disk, bone spur on the spine, or narrowing of the spine (spinal stenosis) compressing part of the nerve. This causes inflammation, pain, and often some numbness or tingling in the affected leg.

  • Treatment typically involves physical therapy, medications for pain relief, and in some cases surgery.

• Peripheral Neuropathy: This results from damage to your peripheral nerves, which often causes weakness, numbness, and pain, usually in your hands and feet. It can also affect other areas of your body, including your legs.

  • Treatment typically involves managing the condition causing the neuropathy, medications for pain relief, and physical therapy.

• Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: This is a narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back, called the lumbar canal. It can cause a burning sensation or numbness in your legs, back, neck, shoulders or arms; balance problems; and incontinence.

  • Treatment typically involves physical therapy, medications for pain relief, and in some cases surgery.

What you can do

It would be best to consult a doctor about your symptoms so that they can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary. In the meantime, you can try the following to relieve your symptoms:

1. Over-the-counter pain relievers: Nonprescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) may provide temporary relief from back pain.
2. Heat or cold: Use of heat or cold, or alternating use of the two, can lessen your lower back pain. Most doctors recommend applying heat to the area for 15 minutes at a time every hour, but you can experiment to see what helps you most.
3. Exercise: Regular physical activity can help keep your back muscles strong and flexible. However, avoid activities that aggravate your pain.

What you should look out for

Reasons to see a doctor more urgently:

• If you notice any loss of bowel or bladder control
• If you develop severe pain, numbness or weakness in your legs
• If your symptoms do not improve with home treatment

Please remember that this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.