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Back pain radiating to feet? Doctor warns leg weakness may signal serious spinal issue

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • A doctor warns that leg weakness and pain radiating from the lower back to the foot could signal a herniated disc.
  • Prolonged poor posture, such as prolonged sitting or bending, can cause the spinal disc to bulge and press on nerves.
  • While imaging like MRI can pinpoint the issue, mild cases may be treated conservatively with physical therapy and medication.

Pain radiating from the lower back down to the foot, accompanied by leg weakness, could be a warning sign of a herniated disc, according to Dr. Chang Yao-yuan, an orthopedic physician at Hsinchu Touyuan General Hospital.

Chang explained that the "cushion" between the vertebrae, known as the intervertebral disc, can become deformed or protrude due to pressure. This can lead to persistent tingling or numbness. He noted that symptoms like hip soreness, leg numbness, and even sharp pain when coughing should not be ignored. If leg weakness develops, it's crucial to seek medical attention promptly.

If you find unexplained numbness or pain in your body, don't just endure it; be aware that it might be a warning sign.

— Dr. Chang Yao-yuanWarning about the potential severity of radiating pain and leg weakness.

The doctor attributed these issues primarily to long-term poor posture, which reduces the water content and elasticity of cartilage. This causes the disc's inner core to be squeezed out, much like toothpaste from a tube, and press on surrounding nerves.

The pain caused by a herniated disc has 'radiating' symptoms; this pain is special, often numbing from the waist all the way to the sole of the foot.

— Dr. Chang Yao-yuanDescribing the characteristic radiating pain of a herniated disc.

To accurately diagnose the problem, Chang recommended precise examinations such as MRI or CT scans to identify the exact location of nerve compression. Based on these results, a suitable treatment strategy can be determined. He emphasized that not all herniated discs require surgery. Many patients with milder symptoms can find relief through physical therapy, rehabilitation, and medication. Surgery is typically considered only for severe cases that affect bowel or bladder function or cause significant leg weakness. Otherwise, conservative treatments or minimally invasive surgery are prioritized.

Chang stressed that the spine is the body's central support, and the best way to maintain its health is to reduce pressure on it. He urged individuals not to endure unexplained numbness or pain, as these could be critical signals from the spine.

The spine is the body's central pillar; the best maintenance is to reduce pressure.

— Dr. Chang Yao-yuanEmphasizing preventative care for spinal health.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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