Leg Pain

Often overlooked is the connection between leg pain and back pain.

Not too long ago I was sitting at my computer and suddenly I felt a stream of electricity running down my right leg. Nothing painful, just annoying as can be. And it continued, for days, and days, that eventually turned into weeks...

Around that same time I happened to have an appointment with my doctor about something totally unrelated and I mentioned the electricity to her. I don't remember her exact words, but the bottom-line is she really didn't seem as concerned as I, and certainly offered no suggestion for the source of my problem.

Perplexed, I got to thinking...

I remembered a previous leg event from years ago, in which I had quite a bit of pain in both of my legs. Since a visit to my primary care physician had provided no insight I opted for a trip to my chiropractor. Yes! Instant relief!

You know the rest of the story...

This time around I decided to do the same and once again - instant relief. It appears that a nerve ending in my back was under pressure and the effect was showing up in my legs, as leg pain on one occasion and the feeling of an electric current on the other. I'm told that problems with nerves can show up in a variety of ways and can be felt as:

• numbness
• tingling
• weakness
• burning
• feeling of electric current running through the leg

Next time I'll likely be quicker to remember what a strong connection there often is between leg pain and back pain.

And...

Not only can back problems quickly transfer to the legs, but a leg injury may easily produce discomfort in the back.

As in the case of a sore knee, leg or foot we are likely to alter the way we walk. Doing so does allow the hips and spine to fall into proper alignment, often resulting in lower back pain.

What are some other causes of leg pain?

Although back problems often produce a pain sensation in the leg there are a number of illnesses and diseases, such as the following, which might also be contributing factors.

• a torn or strained muscle
• nerve damage
• blood clot, known as deep vein thrombosis
• bone fracture
• diabetes
• arthritis or gout
• hip displacement
• infection
• artery blockage
• shin splints
• fibromyalgia
• varicose veins
• leg muscle cramping
• medications
• tumors or cysts

Don't self-diagnose - talk with your doctor. If they are not able to diagnose your problem you may want to ask if they have any reservations about your visiting a chiropractor or using any other form of alternative medicine.

Read more about leg pain at Back-Exercise-and-Pain-Relief.com.