“I have pain from my back all the way to my thighs. What could this be?”
I am have a radiating pain from my back up to my thighs. What could be the reason for this pain? Can physical therapy help or should I go for some medications?
8 Answers
This sounds like you are describing low back pain with radicular symptoms (radiating pain). This is usually the result of nerve root compression. More often this happens where you only get radiating symptoms into one leg. However, you can be experiencing central stenosis which can cause symptoms down both legs. Physical therapy can help mitigate progression of these symptoms and prevent weakness from chronic compressions of the nerves in the low back.
It could be nerve entrapment from your spine. A PT will absolutely be able to evaluate and treat this condition. If they believe something else is going on, they can refer to you to the appropriate professional for further medical treatment.
Radiating pain from your back up to your thighs could be due to several reasons, including:
Sciatica: Sciatica is a pain that radiates down the leg from the lower back. It is caused by compression of the sciatic nerve, which is the largest nerve in the body. Sciatica can be caused by a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or other conditions.
Piriformis syndrome: Piriformis syndrome is a pain in the buttocks that can radiate down the leg. It is caused by irritation or compression of the piriformis muscle, which is located deep in the buttocks. Piriformis syndrome can be caused by overuse, injury, or other conditions.
Lumbar radiculopathy: Lumbar radiculopathy is a pain that radiates down the leg from the lower back. It is caused by compression of the nerve roots in the lower spine. Lumbar radiculopathy can be caused by a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or other conditions.
In most cases, radiating pain from the back up to the thighs can be treated with physical therapy. Physical therapy can help to:
Reduce pain: Physical therapists can use a variety of techniques to reduce pain, such as manual therapy, mobilizations, stretches, Laser, US, Cryotherapy, heat therapy, etc.
Improve flexibility: Physical therapists can help to improve flexibility in the muscles and ligaments that support the spine and legs. This can help to reduce pain and prevent further injuries.
Strengthen muscles: Physical therapists can help to strengthen the muscles that support the spine and legs. This can help to improve stability and reduce pain.
Educate on proper posture and movement: Physical therapists can teach you how to move and maintain proper posture in everyday activities. This can help to prevent further injuries.
In some cases, medication may also be prescribed to help manage pain and inflammation. However, medication should always be used in conjunction with physical therapy, as physical therapy is essential for addressing the underlying cause of the pain and preventing further injuries.
If you are experiencing radiating pain from your back up to your thighs, it is important to see a physical therapist to get a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan. With proper treatment, you can expect to see a significant improvement in your pain and function.
Sciatica: Sciatica is a pain that radiates down the leg from the lower back. It is caused by compression of the sciatic nerve, which is the largest nerve in the body. Sciatica can be caused by a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or other conditions.
Piriformis syndrome: Piriformis syndrome is a pain in the buttocks that can radiate down the leg. It is caused by irritation or compression of the piriformis muscle, which is located deep in the buttocks. Piriformis syndrome can be caused by overuse, injury, or other conditions.
Lumbar radiculopathy: Lumbar radiculopathy is a pain that radiates down the leg from the lower back. It is caused by compression of the nerve roots in the lower spine. Lumbar radiculopathy can be caused by a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or other conditions.
In most cases, radiating pain from the back up to the thighs can be treated with physical therapy. Physical therapy can help to:
Reduce pain: Physical therapists can use a variety of techniques to reduce pain, such as manual therapy, mobilizations, stretches, Laser, US, Cryotherapy, heat therapy, etc.
Improve flexibility: Physical therapists can help to improve flexibility in the muscles and ligaments that support the spine and legs. This can help to reduce pain and prevent further injuries.
Strengthen muscles: Physical therapists can help to strengthen the muscles that support the spine and legs. This can help to improve stability and reduce pain.
Educate on proper posture and movement: Physical therapists can teach you how to move and maintain proper posture in everyday activities. This can help to prevent further injuries.
In some cases, medication may also be prescribed to help manage pain and inflammation. However, medication should always be used in conjunction with physical therapy, as physical therapy is essential for addressing the underlying cause of the pain and preventing further injuries.
If you are experiencing radiating pain from your back up to your thighs, it is important to see a physical therapist to get a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan. With proper treatment, you can expect to see a significant improvement in your pain and function.
Hello, Yes physical therapy can definitely help to alleviate your radiating pain. A PT will have to perform an assessment to identify the cause of pain and establish an appropriate plan of care.
Absolutely find a PT. Medication is a bandage and don’t help correct problem. This is a problem we treat on a regular basis
All around, research has proven that physical therapy is effective for those who suffer from back pain or sciatica pain. It’s also safe. That’s why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highly recommends it. “Physical therapists partner with patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals to manage pain, often reducing or eliminating the need for opioids. Research has shown that a simple education session with a physical therapist can lead to improved function, improved range of motion and decreased pain.”
Sounds like there may be some pressure on the nerves exiting the spine. Physical therapy is the smartest choice.
Possible sciatica. Go in to have your local PT go through an examination to localize the issue and prescribe the appropriate exercises for your situation.
