Leg Weakness and Back Pain
Many people with low back pain feel as if their legs are weak. They will still have normal strength in their leg muscles, but moving their legs usually causes discomfort and gives them a sense of weakness.
True leg weakness leaves you unable to use some of your leg muscles normally. This can happen when a herniated disc presses on the nerve roots that make up the sciatic nerve. Pressure on the nerve interferes with its ability to control the leg muscles.
You never truly appreciate your back and all it does for you -- until it starts to hurt. Then every move brings a symphony of agony, until all you want to do is make your back pain stop. The bones, muscles, and joints that make up your back are among your body's biggest support systems. When any part of that system is weakened or injured, it becomes harder for your back to bear your weight. Up to 80% of adults have low back pain at some point in their lives. Instead of resorting to back pain treatment...
Read the 10 Tips for a Healthy Back article > >
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Today in Back Pain
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
©2005-2012 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.