Common Causes and Treatments for Upper Back and Leg Pain

Ever wondered what could be the reason behind the sharp pain in your upper back or the slight tingling sensation in your leg? If ignored, this pain could further aggravate and even affect your ability to move comfortably. So, what actions can we take to treat these commonly reported concerns of upper back and leg pain? Knowing the causes behind your upper back or leg pain constitutes the first step you can take. This is because only after knowing the causes of your upper back and leg pain can the relevant solutions be provided. Through this blog, we aim to provide not just the treatment but also a few lifestyle changes that will provide relief for both upper back and leg pain. Lastly, by watching out for certain signs, safeguard the health of your loved ones in advance.

A] Common Causes of Upper Back Pain

If we go by statistics, upper back pain is less common than lower back pain, but this doesn’t mean it’s any less painful. There are some commonly associated causes of upper back pain. Let’s try to understand them:

• Poor Posture

Every time you sit in an incorrect posture, it contributes to your back and core muscles getting weaker. Over time, this creates a strain on the surrounding muscles, which can even change your spine curvature. This strain is also experienced by people whose work involves lifting heavy objects. If not managed carefully, this can even lead to myofascial pain syndrome. 

• Herniated Or Bulging Discs

The spine discs here act as shock absorbers, i.e., they prevent the vertebrae from rubbing against each other. If damage occurs, they can move out of their normal position. Depending on the severity, you can experience either minor or intense discomfort.

• Degenerative Changes Or Arthritis

With age, our spinal discs and joints naturally start to wear down. This condition is also known by the name of osteoporosis. Concerns such as inflammation, reduced flexibility, and stiffness are often experienced. In complex cases, it can lead to chronic upper back pain. Long periods of activity should generally be avoided to prevent your symptoms from developing further.

B] Common Causes Of Leg Pain And Weakness

There are various causes for leg pain and weakness. Some of these include:

• Circulation Problems

Did you know that even poor blood circulation could cause leg pain? A common condition associated with blocked arteries is peripheral artery disease. Cramping, fatigue, and burning sensations are some common signs that your muscles are not receiving enough oxygen. Appearance-wise, pale or bluish skin can also indicate problems associated with circulation. 

• Muscle fatigue

Sometimes leg pain could result from muscle fatigue or overuse. The reason can be because of prolonged standing, intense physical activity, or even repetitive movements. Athletes or fitness enthusiasts are more prone to this type of pain. To prevent pain from worsening, certain exercises can be suggested. 

• Peripheral Nerve Disorders

The cause of your leg pain, tingling and weakness could also arise from damage to the peripheral nerves. As these nerves are vital, any damage caused to them could affect your movement. Damage or inflammation to these nerves leads to a condition called peripheral neuropathy. Symptoms such as burning or shock-like pain are often reported. 

While some causes of leg pain can require temporary assistance, others might be more difficult to manage. Along with the causes, knowing the treatments is also crucial.

C] Effective Treatments for Back and Leg Pain Relief

Only by diagnosing the underlying cause can the treatment for both back and leg pain be provided. Here are some of the recommended treatment options for back and leg pain relief:

• Medication And Pain Management

Certain options in medications, such as NSAIDs, can be prescribed to reduce swelling in the nerves. Use of muscle relaxants to relieve temporary back pain can be suggested. Specific nerve pain medications such as gabapentin or pregabalin can be prescribed to reduce pain in the leg area. Use of sprays or patches is an excellent option that offers the fewest side effects. Consult Dr Tanay Prabhoo to get personalised pain management treatment that is patient-centric.

• Physiotherapy And Exercise

Certain exercises that target your core, such as planks, bridging, and others, can be incorporated. These exercises help to improve flexibility, which is beneficial to the lower back region. Postural training sessions can be conducted to help the spine regain its natural alignment. The improved strength gained from physiotherapy will help the body balance its weight better.

• Minimally Invasive Procedures

Minimally invasive procedures create small incisions but have a quick recovery process. Procedures such as microdiscectomy, endoscopic spine surgery, and more are a few examples. Due to small cuts, there is less chance of tissue damage, which reduces the risk of an infection. If you’re looking for a spinal surgeon in Andheri who is experienced in this procedure, we suggest Dr Tanay Prabhoo.

D] Certain Lifestyle and Preventive Habits

For long-term relief of back and leg pain, a combination of both treatments and changes in your lifestyle might be suggested. Here are certain lifestyle changes that we recommended to treat upper back and leg pain:

• Practise Good Posture

It’s vital to maintain a good posture both standing and sitting. A good practice is to keep your back straight and relax your shoulders. While standing, avoid slouching or leaning to a particular side. 

• Incorporate Certain Exercises

Even simple stretching will help to support your back, hips, and abdomen. Activities like walking, cycling, and others are excellent options that can easily be added to your routine. To improve flexibility, you can choose between yoga and Pilates. 

• Maintaining A Healthy Weight

If you notice excess weight around your abdomen, it is advisable that you reduce it. This is to prevent any complications with disc degeneration, nerve compression, chronic pain, and others. Use of a nutrient-rich diet will further complement your goal. Make sure your hydration levels are optimal as well. 

• Rely On Ergonomic Choices

While working, rely on a good chair and ensure that your monitor is placed at eye level. Keeping your feet flat on the floor will keep your body weight balanced. Take care not to slouch into your sofa when you get home. While travelling, carry a small pillow that you can easily place behind your lower back.

E] When to Seek Help From An Expert

Seek help from an expert if you experience any of these symptoms:

• Pain That Lasts Longer Than A Few Weeks

This signifies that your condition needs to be looked after, as it lasted more than a few weeks. Conditions involving a herniated disc, arthritis, or even nerve compression can be the cause of your back or leg pain. 

• Tingling Feeling In Your Leg 

The tingling feeling in your leg could be due to spinal disc concerns. Early diagnosis helps prevent the condition from worsening further. 

• Difficulty With Standing Or Balancing

Struggling to stand or maintain balance displays problems associated with coordination. While this symptom might get easily ignored, it’s vital to understand the cause of your pain. 

• Loss Of Bladder Control

The reason behind this could be due to cauda equina syndrome, a condition that results from nerve compression in the lower spine. 

Along with this, other symptoms such as persistent pain in limbs, tingling sensation in the back, sudden onset of pain after injury, fever, fatigue, and weight loss should also be looked after..

Conclusion

In most cases, the pain you experience develops gradually but is ignored due to low discomfort levels. Only when this pain completely restricts your movement do people tend to take action. Early diagnosis will be the first step in your recovery. Treatment options for both the upper back and leg pain will create a huge difference. If you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms, contact us for further guidance. Remember, with early intervention and assistance from Dr Tanay Prabhoo, recovery from back and leg pain is absolutely possible. Take timely action and safeguard your health from any complications well in advance.