What are common reasons for experiencing pain in both the back and legs?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Pain in the back and legs is commonly caused by spine or nerve problems, such as low back pain, sciatica, or nerve compression (like a herniated disc or spinal stenosis). Muscle strain, poor posture, and degenerative conditions like arthritis can also contribute. Because symptoms often overlap between conditions, identifying the exact cause can be difficult without guidance.

The fastest way to understand what may be behind your discomfort is to take a free, instant, online symptom check. In just a few minutes, you'll receive personalized insights into possible causes and clear next steps—helping you decide whether home care, a primary doctor, or a specialist is right for you. Don't guess when clarity is one click away.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

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Explanation

Pain in both the back and legs can be caused by several factors, often related to the spine and nerves. Low back pain is a common cause, which can sometimes extend to the legs. This might happen if there is pressure on the nerves that travel from the back down to the legs.

Here are some common reasons:

Nerve Compression: When nerves in the spine get pressed or pinched, it can cause pain that travels down the legs. This is often called sciatica.
Spinal Problems: Issues like herniated discs or spinal stenosis can also lead to pain in the back and legs.
Muscle Strain: Sometimes, the muscles in the back get strained, and this can cause pain that also affects the legs.

Understanding these causes can help in finding the right treatment. If you are experiencing such pain, you can use a free symptom checker to better understand what might be causing your discomfort, though it is important to discuss it with a healthcare provider to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.

(References)

McConnell J. (2002). Recalcitrant chronic low back and leg pain--a new theory .... Manual therapy, 12481782.
Vrbanić TS. (2011). [Low back pain--from definition to diagnosis]. Reumatizam, 22232956.
Krismer M, van Tulder M, & Low Back Pain Group of the Bone and Joint Health Strategies for Europe Project. (2007). Strategies for prevention and management of .... Best practice & research. Clinical rheumatology, 17350545.

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