Why Do I Have Pain Radiating Down the Back of My Leg?

Are you experiencing a sharp, burning, or tingling pain that travels from your lower back down the back of your leg? You might be dealing with sciatica, a type of nerve pain that can range from mildly annoying to severely debilitating, even affecting your ability to walk, sit, or sleep comfortably.

The good news is that sciatica is treatable, and understanding what's causing your symptoms is the first step toward lasting relief. Our team at Manhattan Orthopedics specializes in back pain treatment in Astoria, Brooklyn, and Manhattan, New York, and here’s what you need to know about common symptoms, causes, and treatment options for sciatica pain.

Radiating leg pain could be a sign of sciatica

Sciatica is a type of pain resulting from irritation or compression of your sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in your body. Your sciatic nerve starts in your lower back, runs through your hips and buttocks, and extends down each leg.

When something, like a herniated disc or bone spur, presses on your sciatic nerve, it can trigger pain that radiates along the nerve pathway. Radiating pain down the back of your leg is one of the most common symptoms of sciatica, though you might also feel it in your lower back or buttocks.

Recognizing the common symptoms of sciatica

Sciatica pain usually affects only one side of your body and can vary in intensity. Though some people only notice mild aches, others might feel sharp, burning sensations or even excruciating, shooting pain that makes movement difficult. Possible symptoms of sciatica include:

• Sharp, shooting pain in your lower back, buttocks, and down the back of one leg
• Numbness or tingling in your leg or foot
• Muscle weakness in the affected leg
• Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting or standing
• Difficulty moving or controlling your leg due to nerve interference

In severe cases, sciatica may be accompanied by loss of bladder or bowel control, which requires immediate medical attention.

Understanding possible causes of sciatica

A few common conditions can contribute to sciatic nerve compression, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease. Herniated discs develop when the soft inner material of a spinal disc pushes out and irritates nearby nerves, and spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on nerves.

Muscle tightness and lifestyle factors can also play a role. The piriformis muscle in your buttock can compress the sciatic nerve in a condition known as piriformis syndrome, and certain habits, like prolonged sitting, obesity, poor posture, and lack of regular exercise, can increase your risk of sciatica, too.

Finding relief from sciatic nerve pain

At Manhattan Orthopedics, we understand the frustration and pain that accompany sciatica. Our team of spine and back pain specialists offers a full range of diagnostic tools and personalized treatment options to identify the root cause of your symptoms as well as to develop a relief plan for you.

Depending on your condition, we may recommend:

• Physical therapy to strengthen and stretch the muscles supporting your spine
• Anti-inflammatory medications or targeted injections to reduce pain and swelling
• Minimally invasive procedures that address severe or persistent nerve compression
• Guidance on posture, body mechanics, and lifestyle changes to help prevent recurrence

You don’t have to live with nerve pain. Whether your symptoms just started or they’ve been around for a while, our experts are here to help you move comfortably and confidently again. 

Schedule your consultation at Manhattan Orthopedics today to learn more about your treatment options.