Download FREE Practo app
Get ₹200 HealthCash
Nerve pain in left leg due to disc bulge
I had shooting back pain on 5th Jan after lifting my 6 months old. I fainted immediately due to the pain. I was diagnosed with L3-L4 and L5-S1 disc bulge on the left side through MRI scan. I was advised to perform physio exercises with anti inflammatory and pain killer medicines for 10 days.
Initially I was unable even to wake up from bed and sit in a chair and stand. The back pain was very severe. But after performing the exercises the back pain has subsided. Now I am able to sit, stand and walk freely.
Still I have pain in left leg. It feels like a nerve pull. When I sit in chair for about 20-30 mins i feel never in left leg is pulling and paining .
Is it serious to worry? Will it not subside on its own? Any further medicine or injection required? I am worried as it's already a month and still there is pain. I am not able to hold my baby due to this.
Please help me find a way out.
Answers (4)
Get your queries answered instantly with Care AI FREE
20000+ health queries resolved in last month
It looks like resolving lumbar disc bulge with persistent left-sided radiculopathy.
The good news is: your back pain improving and ability to walk freely are very positive signs 👍
The remaining leg pain usually settles slower than back pain.
Next Steps
Neuropathic pain agents
Anti-inflammatory (NSAID)
Continue physio, but focus on nerve-specific + core work
Health Tips
Avoid:-
Forward bending
Sudden twisting
Lifting baby from floor (use squat technique) to lift baby
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Didn't find the answer you are looking for?
Talk to experienced orthopedist online and get your health questions answered in just 5 minutes.
+144
Dr. Rahul Kumar Pandey
Orthopedic surgeon
10 yrs exp
Lucknow
Your back pain improving is a good sign. The remaining left leg nerve pain can take 6–8 weeks to settle.
Next Steps
Continue physiotherapy, avoid prolonged sitting and heavy lifting, and use prescribed medicines.
Health Tips
If pain persists or if you develop leg weakness, numbness, or bladder/bowel issues please consult a specialist immediately.
Answered
Flag this answer
2/2 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Mayank Daral
Orthopedist
6 yrs exp
Delhi
The fact that your severe back pain has settled and you can now sit stand and walk is a very good sign this means the acute disc inflammation has reduced nerve pain often lingers longer than back pain because nerves heal slowly sometimes over 6â12 weeks or more, even after the main problem improves pain that appears after sitting for 20â30 minutes suggests the nerve is still sensitive but not necessarily worsening or dangerous, especially since you have no increasing weakness, numbness, or bladder/bowel issues in most cases this pain gradually settles on its own with time and activity modification injections or surgery are usually considered only if pain is severe worsening or not improving over 6â8 weeks for now avoid prolonged sitting bending, and lifting your baby from the floor use a chair or bed height instead and continue gentle movements
Answered
Flag this answer
2/2 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Ravikumar Chandulal Makadia
Orthopedic surgeon
6 yrs exp
Ahmedabad
Share investigation
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Articles you may like
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
The question asked on this page is a free question. You can ask a free health question by downloading the Practo app.
Articles you may like
Tell us what's troubling you
Tell us what's troubling you
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.