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What Is Meant by Radiating Pain?
Radiating pain means that the pain is not only felt at the site of injury but follows a specific pattern, for example down the leg. This often occurs because nerves are affected or because structures in the spine, pelvis, and hip interact when we move.
Back Problems That Cause Radiating Pain
Lower back pain that radiates down the leg is often referred to as sciatica. Sciatica occurs when a nerve root in the lumbar spine becomes compressed or irritated, often due to conditions such as a herniated disc, degenerative changes in the vertebrae or joints, or spinal stenosis.
Typical Symptoms of Back-Related Pain
- Pain that radiates from the buttock or lower back down the leg, sometimes all the way to the foot
- Numbness, tingling, or reduced sensation
- Pain that worsens with coughing, sneezing, or bending forward
- In some cases, muscle weakness in the leg
Hip Joint Problems Can Cause Radiating Leg Pain
Pain originating from the hip is often mistaken for a back problem, as it can radiate toward the thigh or knee. The cause of the pain may be hip osteoarthritis, nerve impingement, or inflammation of tendons or bursae around the hip.
Typical Symptoms of Hip-Related Pain
- Pain in the groin, on the outside of the hip, or around the buttock
- Aching pain that worsens with weight-bearing, walking, or twisting movements
- Stiffness in the hip, especially after rest
- Often less involvement of the lower leg and foot compared to sciatica
Why Is It So Difficult to Determine the Source of the Pain?
The lumbar spine, pelvis, and hip function together, and problems in one area can affect the others through altered load or changes in movement patterns. This is why it can be difficult to determine the origin of the pain based on symptoms alone.
Examinations and Diagnosis
To establish a diagnosis, the first step is always a clinical examination. The physician makes an overall assessment based on mobility, strength, sensation, and which positions or movements provoke the pain.
MRI of the Lumbar Spine and Hip
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to visualize soft tissues such as nerves, discs, and cartilage. MRI of the lumbar spine can show whether spinal nerves are affected, while MRI of the hip can detect problems in the hip joint or signs of inflammation. The examination can also help rule out other causes of pain.
Treatment and Self-Care
The treatment plan is tailored to the cause of the pain but often includes adapted exercise and physiotherapy, pain-relieving medications, advice on ergonomics and load management, and in some cases injection therapy or surgery.
When Should You Seek Medical Care?
Pain from the back and hip is common and often harmless, but if the pain is persistent or very troublesome, it should be evaluated. Contact healthcare services if you experience:
- pain that does not improve within a couple of weeks
- increasing numbness or muscle weakness in the leg
- severe pain that affects daily life
Seek emergency care if you experience sudden loss of strength or problems controlling bladder or bowel function.
