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How Can Increasing Lower Back Pain Radiating Towards The Left Leg After A Fall Be Medically Addressed?

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Posted on Wed, 1 May 2024
Question: I slipped on stairs and all of my weight landed on my butt. Not much initial pain but after about 30 min i have a lot of pain in my lower back, tailbone, left hip/left elvic area. At times pain seems to radiate down left leg as well. Hurts most while laying or sitting, standing pain isn't as severe. Should i just ice or go to ED?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (40 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
it would be best to be seen

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

It would be best to be seen.

Though it is likely that the majority of the pain is due to soft tissue injury the presence of pain radiating down the leg needs to be assessed by imaging.

In some persons, this can be due to damage to a nerve called the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is formed from nerves coming out of the spinal cord in the lower back, it supplies areas in the thigh and leg and injury to the nerve can cause pain radiating down the leg.
It maybe minor injury that would resolve with rest , pain medication and physio but it is best to make sure by being seen.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (11 hours later)
I woke up this morning and pain is stationed now in my low back, but at times radiates up to almost my shoulder blades and tailbone area. Changing positions is uncomfortable however i am able to move and walk.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (10 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
can continue with rest, pain meds, warm therapy

Detailed Answer:
HI

If there is no longer radiation to the legs that is good, also monitor for any weakness or abnormal sensations such as numbness, tingling etc

If you are noticing even minimal improvement in the pain then you can continue with rest as much as possible, pain meds eg naproxen or ibuprofen or cataflam etc

Warm compress to the area may also help as well, this can be done 2 to 4 times daily for 10 to 15 mins.

Please feel free to ask any thing else
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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How Can Increasing Lower Back Pain Radiating Towards The Left Leg After A Fall Be Medically Addressed?

Brief Answer: it would be best to be seen Detailed Answer: Hi, It would be best to be seen. Though it is likely that the majority of the pain is due to soft tissue injury the presence of pain radiating down the leg needs to be assessed by imaging. In some persons, this can be due to damage to a nerve called the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is formed from nerves coming out of the spinal cord in the lower back, it supplies areas in the thigh and leg and injury to the nerve can cause pain radiating down the leg. It maybe minor injury that would resolve with rest , pain medication and physio but it is best to make sure by being seen. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions