[50F] Experiencing severe lower spine and leg pain

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

• Sciatica: This condition occurs when the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back down to your legs, is irritated or compressed. It can cause pain, numbness, or tingling in your lower back, hip, and leg. The pain can be severe and constant, similar to what you described.

  • Treatment usually involves physical therapy, pain relievers, and in some cases, surgery.

• Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: This condition is a narrowing of the spinal canal in your lower back. It can put pressure on your spinal cord and the nerves that travel through the spine to your legs, causing pain in your lower back and legs.

  • Treatment can include physical therapy, medications, or surgery.

• Hip Bursitis: This is inflammation of the bursa in your hip. The bursa is a fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between a bone and a tendon. Bursitis can cause pain in your hip and may extend to your leg.

  • Treatment typically involves rest, physical therapy, and medications to reduce inflammation.

What you can do

You should see a doctor for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan. In the meantime, you can try the following to relieve your symptoms:

1. Over-the-counter pain relievers: Non-prescription medicines like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
2. Heat or cold therapy: Applying a hot or cold pack to the affected area may help relieve pain.
3. Gentle exercises: Simple stretching exercises can help reduce pressure on your sciatic nerve. However, it's important to stop if any exercise causes more pain.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if:

• The pain is severe or getting worse
• You have sudden, severe pain in your low back or leg, and numbness or muscle weakness in your leg
• The pain follows a violent injury, such as a traffic accident
• You have trouble controlling your bowels or bladder

Remember, 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 accurate information.