What Are Common Reasons for Experiencing Pain Down the Legs?

Pain that travels down the legs can be due to several conditions, often related to nerve issues in the spine.

• Sciatica: This happens when the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down each leg, gets pinched or irritated. It can cause sharp or burning pain, tingling, or numbness in the leg.

• Spinal Stenosis: This condition involves the narrowing of spaces in the spine, which can put pressure on the nerves. This pressure often leads to pain, weakness, or numbness in the legs, especially when standing or walking.

• Lumbar Radiculopathy: This occurs when nerves in the lower back are compressed, sometimes due to bone spurs. This compression can lead to pain, tingling, or weakness in the legs.

Understanding these conditions can help in recognizing symptoms and seeking appropriate medical advice. Each condition affects the nerves in different ways, but they all can lead to pain traveling down the legs.