Possible causes when you experience pain or numbness in your lower back, buttocks, or legs.
The pain and numbness extend not only to the lower back, but also to the buttocks, thighs, and calves.
My legs feel heavy after standing or walking for a long time.
In such cases, it's necessary to consider not only muscle tension but also stimulation of the nerves running from the lower back to the legs .
The Japanese Orthopaedic Association also states that numbness can be caused by various spinal disorders, including lumbar disc herniation, lumbar spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis.
"Sciatica" is not the cause itself.
"Sciatica" is a term used to describe a condition in which pain and numbness occur in the buttocks and legs along the sciatic nerve.
The background is,
Lumbar disc herniation
・Lumbar spinal canal stenosis
Lumbar spondylolisthesis
• Stimulation of nerves around the lumbar spine
• Peripheral nerve problems
These are some possibilities.
Therefore, it's not always true that "massaging your buttocks will help if you have sciatica."
Possible cause ① Lumbar disc herniation
This condition should be considered if pain or numbness spreads from the lower back to one side of the buttocks and down the leg.
especially,
- Symptoms worsen when bending forward.
- It resonates when you cough or sneeze.
- Numbness in the legs or feet
- Difficulty putting strength into the legs
In that case, we recommend consulting an orthopedic surgeon.
The Japanese Orthopaedic Association also states that if lower back pain is accompanied by lower limb pain, numbness, or muscle weakness, conditions such as lumbar disc herniation should be considered.
Possible cause #2: Lumbar spinal stenosis
This is a condition that requires particular attention from middle-aged and elderly individuals.
- Pain in the buttocks, thighs, and calves
- My legs are numb.
- It worsens when standing or walking.
- Leaning forward or sitting down makes it more comfortable.
These characteristics can sometimes be observed.
Even with degenerative spondylolisthesis, standing or walking can cause pain in the buttocks and thighs, but resting in a squatting position may allow you to walk again.
If you've noticed that you can walk shorter distances, we recommend getting an evaluation from an orthopedic surgeon rather than relying solely on chiropractic treatment.
Possible cause ③ Lumbar spondylolisthesis/spondylolysis
A misalignment of the lumbar vertebrae can irritate nerves, sometimes causing symptoms in the buttocks and legs.
especially,
- It hurts when I arch my back.
・It's tough having to stand all day.
- Pain from the lower back to the buttocks
- My legs feel numb.
In such cases, it's important not to assume that it's "just an arched back."
The Japanese Orthopaedic Association also states that in addition to lower back pain, lumbar spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis can cause pain in the buttocks and thighs, as well as leg pain and numbness.
Possible cause #4: Problems with the hip joint or buttocks.
Sometimes, symptoms in the buttocks or legs can be caused by factors other than the lower back.
• Problems around the hip joint
• Strong tension in the gluteal muscles and soft tissues
• Stimulation of peripheral nerves
And so on.
Lower back pain can sometimes be related to orthopedic conditions other than those affecting the lower back, such as osteoarthritis of the hip.
Therefore,
Does it change when you move your hips?
Does it hurt when you move your hip joint?
How far will the symptoms spread?
Which side will it come out on?
It is important to check this.
Possible cause #5: Peripheral nerve problems
Numbness isn't always caused by problems in the lower back.
Since nerves extend from the lower back down to the legs and feet, symptoms can occur even if they are compressed along the way.
The Japanese Orthopaedic Association also states that numbness can be related not only to lumbar spine disorders but also to peripheral nerve disorders such as peroneal nerve palsy and tarsal tunnel syndrome.
The "location" and "movement" of pain or numbness are important.
What I want to confirm is,
・Just the waist, or up to the buttocks?
- Front, back, or outside of the thigh
Does it extend down to your calves and toes?
How does it change with actions such as sitting, standing, walking, bending forward, and arching your back?
is.
Even though it's all called "numbness in the legs," the way it manifests can differ depending on the cause.
For these symptoms, you should see a medical professional before going to a chiropractor.
Caution is advised if you experience any of the following symptoms.
- Difficulty putting strength into the legs
- I've become more prone to tripping.
・Difficulty moving ankles and toes
The numbness is getting worse rapidly.
- The pain is severe even at rest.
• Has a fever
- Abnormalities in urination and defecation
・Urinary incontinence
Symptoms appeared after an accident or fall.
The Japanese Orthopaedic Association also recommends prompt consultation with an orthopedic specialist if you experience symptoms such as numbness or weakness in the lower limbs, or urinary incontinence.
In particular, if you have urinary or bowel dysfunction or sudden muscle weakness, these are not symptoms that should be monitored with chiropractic treatment.
Be careful with strong stretches when you have numbness.
Strongly extending your legs or repeatedly bending forward may worsen neurological symptoms.
- Numbness increases
- You experience a pain that feels like an electric shock.
- Symptoms spread to the toes.
If this occurs, please stop the stretch.
At Re・Set, we address the issue while identifying the root cause.
At Hashimoto's chiropractic salon Re・Set,
• Extent of symptoms
- Left-right difference
・Forward and backward bending of the waist
・Hip joint movement
Walking condition
Leg muscle strength
• Changes in sensation
- Changes in symptoms while sitting and standing
We will check these and other things.
If it is deemed necessary to have an examination at a medical institution, we recommend that you consult a doctor rather than proceeding with the procedure unnecessarily.
If serious problems have been ruled out at a medical institution, and care for muscles, posture, and hip joints is possible, we will perform treatment while checking the entire body, including the lower back, pelvis, hip joints, buttocks, back, and posture.
"My lower back hurts, but my buttocks hurt too."
"My legs are numb."
"My legs get tired when I walk for a long time."
For those experiencing such symptoms, it's important not to self-diagnose by thinking "massaging my lower back will fix it," but rather to first identify the cause of the symptoms.
References
・Japan Orthopedic Society “Low back pain”
- Japanese Orthopaedic Association: "Numbness (caused by illness)"
- Japanese Orthopaedic Association: "Degenerative Spondylolisthesis of the Lumbar Spine"
- Japanese Orthopaedic Association: "Lumbar Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis"
