Back pain that shoots down your leg after a crash
A spine specialist and a physical therapist on nerve pain in the leg
Pain that begins in your back or buttock and runs down a leg may come from an irritated spinal nerve. Many people call it sciatica. A disk can press on a nerve. Still, having a crash doesn’t prove that a disk seen on a scan is behind your symptoms. A careful exam connects your pain pattern to your strength, sensation and reflexes. Get new leg pain checked if it follows a high force crash or changes after your ER visit. [1, 2]
Explain where it goes and what you can't do
Tell your doctor where the pain spreads and whether you have tingling, numbness or weakness. Mention any trouble lifting your foot, walking on your heels or toes, or climbing stairs. Ask what the nerve exam showed and whether you need imaging now. Your first scan may have shown changes that come with age. If so, ask which finding lines up with your symptoms. [1, 2]
Keep moving within a safe plan
Most sciatica gets better without surgery. Gentle movement and a physical therapy plan may help, as long as your team has ruled out injuries that need protecting. Ask how to pace your walking, sitting, lifting and work. Before you pick a pain treatment, tell your doctor about the medicines you already take and any other crash injuries. If weakness or numbness lingers or gets worse, get checked again. [1, 2]
Emergency signs from the nerves
Get emergency care for new trouble starting to urinate or any loss of bladder or bowel control. The same goes for numbness around your genitals or bottom, or severe weakness or numbness in both legs. These signs can mean pressure on the nerves that control the bladder and bowel. Don’t wait until your next therapy visit. [2]
Ask these at your spine visit
- Which nerve findings on my exam were abnormal?
- What activity is safe for me this week?
- What change would mean new imaging or a specialist visit?
Track the path of your symptoms
Sources and further reading
Spine care and physical therapy experts shaped this general education piece. Leg pain like this can have several causes. New bladder or bowel problems, or a change in feeling around the genitals and bottom, need emergency care.
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