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What Causes Sudden Acute Pain In Back Radiating To Back Of Leg?

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Posted on Wed, 13 Apr 2016
Question: On Monday morning as I had taken my bath and was preparing to go office, then suddenly I was unable to stand erect despite best efforts.

And have severe backache with pain in left leg (back of thigh, Calf & Toe) since last 3-4 days. Went to the hospital & showed to Orthopedic & Neurosurgeon wherein it was mentioned that I have to go for Surgery.

Need an expert advice whether its required or exercise & massage can heal my problem.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (24 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Can be muscle spasm or acute disc prolapse.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
A sudden acute pain in the back radiating to back of leg can be due to an acute disc prolapse or a muscle spasm. You need an MRI scan of the back to find out the exact cause of problem first. The need of surgery depends on the diagnosis.
The following measures will help with the pain
• Lie on a hard bed.
• Anti -inflammatory drugs like Tablet Motrin or Brufen 1 tablet as and when required ( do not repeat a dose before 6 hours) with food will help relieve the pain.
• Correct your posture while sitting
• Avoid prolonged sitting
• Avoid strenuous activity & lifting heavy weights.
• Apply diclofenac gel on the affected area. Warm compresses will also help.

Do consult an orthopedician and get an MRI scan done and get some oral muscle relaxants prescribed and see if it helps.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (56 minutes later)
I have already got X-Ray and MRI done and per the analysis the orthopaedic & Neurosurgeon suggesting a surgery.

Please check the attached .pdf file for your reference.

Thanks.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
No reports attached.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
There is no report or file attached to this query. You can upload the report in the box provided on the right hand side of the query page. Do inform me after attaching the report.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (2 days later)
Hello !

I have uploaded the file as (Reports [666218].pdf). These are the diagnosis by the doctor. The X-Ray & MRI Scan is also done.

Thanks in advance.

XXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Surgery is not needed for mild symptoms.

Detailed Answer:
I have seen the attached reports. You have radiculopathy and degenerative changes in the spine.
The treatment is done according to the severity of symptoms. Medicines are the first line treatment along with physiotherapy. If the patient responds well with medicines then physiotherapy helps in preventing further progression of the problem. Surgery is kept as a last resort to improve the quality of life of the patient.
The main treatment of such problem is bed rest along with pain killers and muscle relaxants. Muscle relaxants can help with your symptoms if used in appropriate dosage in combination with a potent analgesic. You can get these prescribed from your orthopedician.
Local analgesic gels and hot fomentation may provide a short term relief. You can use analgesic gels like Volini gel. Exercise is not advisable in the times of acute pain.
Using an LS contour belt of appropriate size might be helpful in providing support to back muscles.
Physiotherapy also plays a major role in treating such conditions. Epidural steroid injections have been used if oral pain killers are not very effective. Discuss with your orthopedician and an appropriate treatment can be planned depending on the response to medical drugs.
Regards.
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
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 12314 Questions

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What Causes Sudden Acute Pain In Back Radiating To Back Of Leg?

Brief Answer: Can be muscle spasm or acute disc prolapse. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query. A sudden acute pain in the back radiating to back of leg can be due to an acute disc prolapse or a muscle spasm. You need an MRI scan of the back to find out the exact cause of problem first. The need of surgery depends on the diagnosis. The following measures will help with the pain • Lie on a hard bed. • Anti -inflammatory drugs like Tablet Motrin or Brufen 1 tablet as and when required ( do not repeat a dose before 6 hours) with food will help relieve the pain. • Correct your posture while sitting • Avoid prolonged sitting • Avoid strenuous activity & lifting heavy weights. • Apply diclofenac gel on the affected area. Warm compresses will also help. Do consult an orthopedician and get an MRI scan done and get some oral muscle relaxants prescribed and see if it helps. I hope this answers your query. In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out. Wishing you good health. Regards. Dr. Praveen Tayal. For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal