Back/Leg Pain

[Pickums1283]

Hi, I am a 25 year old female, 5'3 and slightly overweight.

Off and on over the years I have dealt with varying degrees of back pain at times, all of which go away at one point or another. What I have been experiencing since last Thursday is different than usual. It mainly started across the very low back area- mainly in the coccyx and low lumbar areas. The pain could almost be described as my nerves felt like they are on fire. The pain then proceeded more to the right side of my back and to my right hip area and down both thighs, more so on the right side. As of now, I still have back pain, but burning pain is mainly in the outer upper right thigh area and sporadically throughout the day, I keep getting a brief stabbing pain right above the right hip bone area. There are no bowel or bladder problems, no numbness or tingling, no pain on squeezing or palpitating any of the areas.  Aspirin and Tylenol only bring little relief. I rubbed Icy Hot on one day and there was no reaction and rubbed it on again today and my back area just got cold. Lying on my back on a hard floor brings the most relief to the pressure and pain. I exercise about 5 days a week and recently started to try jogging again. My running shoes are not in the best condition so I am wondering if maybe the last time I jogged, it might have caused what I am experiencing? I know that this shouldn't replace a medical expert's advice, but unfortunately seeking medical help is just not an option right now. Any thoughts?

Thanks!

[Pickums1283]

Thank you for the welcome and for responding.

The good news is, much of the pain has subsided, although if I sit on certain seats or bend over, there is still some pain. I still have burning in the right thigh, but the level of pain has decreased, as well as the span of area it spread over. I had the stabbing pain in my hip earlier at lunch time, but that was the last time I had it. I am no expert, but I do suspect it might be sciatica and I think running not just on bad shoes, but also on bad roads was enough to aggravate it.

I would, however, still like to have an exam of some sort once I get health insurance.

Thanks for your help,
Nikki

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the forum!
What you are experiencing is probably sciatica. A neurologist is the specialist you should approach. Maybe your PCP can help get an early appointment so that the nerve compression does not worsen. A MRI will be required to access the situation. Some patients benefit by conservative treatment, others need varying degree of traction and few need surgery. Physiotherapy is definitely required. Refrain from lifting weights, bending and straightening with a jerk, jerk rides on uneven roads etc.
There is a possibility that there is compression of sciatic nerve on both the sides, right being more than left.
Hope this helps. It is difficult to comment beyond this at this stage. Do consult your doctor. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!