Your path to back health: 4 causes of back pain and leg numbness

Many people experience back pain throughout their lives, but what does it mean when you start to experience back pain alongside other sensations, such as leg numbness?

This connection is common and can impact your daily life significantly.

“In certain cases, spinal disorders can cause numbness in the legs,” said Jonathan Friedman, MD, a neurosurgeon on the medical staff at Baylor Scott & White – Texas Brain and Spine Institute. “Leg numbness can potentially be a symptom of a specific condition and should be evaluated be a medical professional who specializes in spinal health.”

If your back hurts and your leg is numb, it's crucial to understand the likely causes of this, as well as symptoms to look out for, treatment options and preventive measures.

So, if you’re experiencing back pain and leg numbness and are not sure why, it's time to get the facts.

4 common causes of back pain and leg numbness

Identifying the root causes of back pain and leg numbness is essential for effective treatment. Dr. Friedman notes that when nerves are affected by spinal disorders, problems with nerve function can arise, including leg numbness. Several factors can lead to these symptoms:

1. Sciatica (or radiculopathy) occurs when spinal nerves are irritated or compressed, causing pain or other symptoms down the legs.
2. Spinal stenosis involves the narrowing of the spinal canal, which puts pressure on the nerves. Age-related changes like bone spurs or thickened ligaments can cause this narrowing, leading to back pain with leg numbness.
3. Herniated discs are one of the most common spinal disorders and happen when the inner part of a spinal disc protrudes through its outer layer. When this presses against a nerve root, it can cause back pain and leg numbness.
4. Degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis can lead to the breakdown of spinal discs and joints over time. As these structures deteriorate, they can compress nerves, causing back pain, leg pain and numbness.

Managing back pain and preventing leg numbness

Once your healthcare team has established why you may be experiencing back pain and leg numbness, there are several treatment options available to help you feel better. These range from nonsurgical approaches and at-home treatments to surgery, depending on your lifestyle, goals and condition.

Nonsurgical treatments are often the first line of defense for managing back pain with leg numbness. These methods focus on reducing discomfort and improving your body’s movement without invasive procedures:

• Physical therapy includes exercises, stretches and manual techniques targeting the affected areas of your body. This helps strengthen your muscles, improve flexibility and enhance overall mobility. A skilled physical therapist can create a treatment plan to alleviate back pain and leg numbness.
• If conservative treatments don’t seem to alleviate your symptoms, your provider may recommend pain management techniques. These can include medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs or muscle relaxants to relieve discomfort and reduce inflammation. Alternative therapies like acupuncture or chiropractic care may also be a good option for you.

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to address the underlying cause of back pain and leg numbness. Surgical options can vary depending on your specific condition but may include procedures such as spinal decompression or fusion.

Prevention and self-care through nonsurgical methods

Preventing back pain and leg numbness involves adopting healthy habits and making lifestyle changes. Virtual joint care could be available to you through Baylor Scott & White's Virtual Back and Neck Care program, where you can access specialists and a dedicated care coordinator—all from the comfort of your home.

Back pain is frequently managed conservatively through over-the-counter anti-inflammatories and pain relievers, stretching and exercises and changing your daily activities. But it is important to speak to your doctor if you’re living with long-term, or chronic, back pain.

“A holistic approach to treating back pain should be under the direction of a medical professional,” Dr. Friedman said.

Here are some tips to reduce the risk of experiencing back pain symptoms:

• Maintain proper posture and ergonomics: Avoid slouching or sitting for extended periods in positions that strain your back. Use ergonomic chairs and desks that support your spine's natural curves.
• Try exercises for strengthening the back muscles and improving core stability: Activities like swimming, walking or low-impact exercises target the back and core muscles and help build overall strength without a lot of strain on your joints.
• Implement lifestyle changes: Maintaining a healthy weight might reduce stress on your back, quitting smoking improves blood flow and avoiding prolonged sitting or standing often relieves discomfort. It can also be helpful to incorporate stress management techniques such as yoga or meditation to improve any muscle tension and promote relaxation.

When back pain becomes serious: Recognizing the symptoms

Recognizing symptoms and getting a proper diagnosis is key to addressing back pain and leg numbness, and it’s important to know when to speak to a medical professional. Watch out for the following:

• Back pain can vary in intensity, location and duration. It may be dull, achy or sharp, and can radiate down the leg. Understanding the specific characteristics and patterns of your pain can help healthcare professionals pinpoint the cause, so you can get back to feeling your best.
• Along with back pain, you may experience numbness, tingling or weakness in your legs. These sensations often indicate nerve compression or damage, which are commonly associated with conditions like a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.
• Back pain and leg numbness can stem from various underlying conditions, including sciatica, degenerative disc disease or spinal cord injuries. Understanding your medical history is an important first step in recognizing your symptoms and providing invaluable information for your doctor.

When to seek medical attention

If preventative efforts do not seem to be working, you can take a short spine assessment to learn more about your options. After answering ten short questions, you can discover what specialist may be appropriate for the care you may need. Because, while prevention and self-care measures can help manage mild back pain and leg numbness, it's crucial to know when to seek medical attention.

“When back pain becomes limiting to daily activities, you should seek medical advice,” said Dr. Friedman. “If leg numbness is a new symptom, it is important to identify, and you should always seek prompt medical attention.”

If your symptoms worsen, persist for more than a few days or are accompanied by side-effects like weakness or loss of bladder or bowel control, consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Your healthcare provider may then recommend diagnostic tests or imaging such as X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans or nerve conduction studies. These tests can help identify structural abnormalities or nerve-related issues.

When it comes to treatment, your treatment plan can include many different treatments. According to Dr. Friedman, a “conservative” plan can be successful for many cases of degenerative spinal disease that cause back pain, particularly when nerves are not affected.

For more difficult issues, your doctor may recommend:

• Intensive physical therapy
• Prescription medications
• Spinal injections

And possibly, though rarely, surgical intervention may be required.

If you're experiencing back pain and leg numbness, it may be time to speak to a healthcare professional. Concerned about your joint health? Find a spine specialist near you, today.