Hi, thank you for the question. This symptom that you are experiencing is something that is very common.
What you’re feeling is something we term, as a radiculopathy. It’s the sensation one experiences when a nerve from the back (Lumbar) region gets pressed.
Nerves are very sensitive, and any compression, from either a disc bulge or slipped disc, bone spurs, soft tissue swelling etc, can cause this symptom.
That’s also why you’re experiencing some Low back discomfort. They usually come together, though some patients may only have back pain, or leg symptoms.
It is important to identify the source of the compression, as sometimes left untreated, may lead to further compression and progressively worse symptoms. I would recommend that you visit an Orthopaedic Surgeon - scans may be necessary to identify the pathology.
Management options can then be tailored towards the cause, and hopefully resolve the issue.
Hope you find this useful,
Dr Sean Ng
