Back Pain Support Group
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care. In fact, about 3 in 4 adults will experience back pain during their lifetime! The term back pain includes pain affecting the neck, midback and low back. Acute back pain may begin suddenly with intense pain but typically lasts fewer than three months. Usually, chronic back pain is persistent, steady, and...
Ok, I will try to describe it as describing pain is always difficult for me. I have problems with my hip and sciatica, and get regular adjustments by my chiropractor. I had one yesterday. For the past two weeks, when I try to walk ANY distance, such as through a grocery store, after a bit it feels like I have to drag my leg...it gets very heavy feeling and I get severely anxious which probably makes it worse. I have to stop every few steps and rest it because it feels so heavy. Any ideas on what this could be. I took a Flexeril and some motrin when I got home, but I am really upset about this. Suggestions? I stretch often and try to keep moving, but nothing is helping.
I would recommend you see a neurologist and describe your leg issue exactly... could be a nerve issue that is temporary... but also sounds like one of the common MS symptoms. But, could very well just be a pinched nerve or a sciatic exacerbation. Best wishes.
(1) Your have pain when you walking? If so, where?
(2) Is it one leg or both?
(3) Is it the same leg you have sciatic nerve issues with?
(4) Did this start directly after a chiropractor visit?
(5) Anything make the heaviness go away or worse?
(6) Any recent fall or accident?
In general, if this is progression of your sciatica than the heaviness makes sense. Since it's been a couple of weeks, you can use heat. You can place a heating pad around lower back or affected hip to see if that relaxes the muscles around the sciatic nerve. However, you should be evaluated by your doctor to verify that whatever is causing your sciatica has not gotten worse since you've been dealing with this for a couple of weeks.
That being said, you can also have heaviness in your leg for several different reasons. Back, hip, and pelvis problems can cause that too. A chiropractor adjusting your hips could potentially dislocate or fracture the hip/pelvis when adjusting this area. Is your affected leg noticeably shorter or rotated? People can also experience your issue with blood clots. Is your affected leg cold to touch and pale? However, blood clots usually don't get better with rest.
As a rule, anywhere along the nerve/vascular track in the back, hips, pelvis can cause sciatica type symptoms, like leg heaviness. I would say since it is impacting your ambulation your probably out of the pay grade of a chiropractor.
Hope this helps! Get Well!