I recently helped my brother move his one bedroom apartment. Heavy lifting was involved and I now have back pain on my lower right side. It also causes pain in the back of my right leg. When sitting for extended periods of time, I feel numbness and tingling in my right side. Sometimes this pain causes weakness running from the lower part of my back, down my entire leg. What could be the cause of my back pain and leg pain? Is there a quick way to relieve pain? Can I find treatment for my pain?

It sounds as though you have developed sciatica from your recent activity. Sciatica is pain, numbness, and tingling created by irritation of the nerve roots which lead the the sciatic. In some cases, walking Heavy lifting may have caused nerve root compression, or a pinched nerve, causing you acute discomfort.

Symptoms may begin with pain in your lower back that runs down your buttocks. It can cause pain all the way down your legs, through the back of your knee, even going into your feet. Weakness, numbness, and tingling may occur. Standing or sitting for extended periods of time may worsen symptoms. You may also find relief while lying down, but lying in one position for a period may cause discomfort. Sometimes symptoms flare due to walking or bending.

Many cases of sciatica eventually heal on their own. Initial treatment may involve over-the-counter pain relievers and light activity. You may also relieve pain and discomfort in your back and legs by avoiding sitting for extended periods of time, using heating pads on the affected area, or a warm shower. Seeking professional care from a massage therapist, chiropractor, or physical therapist may be necessary if symptoms worsen or do not go away on their own.

Please note that nerve root compression is only one possibility for sciatica. Treatment for sciatica can vary depending on the underlying cause. It is best to seek advice from a medical professional to determine the cause and treatment for your condition. Other common causes are bulging or ruptured disc, narrowing of the spinal canal, or bone spurs.

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