It starts as an ache in your lower back — something you chalk up to a bad night’s sleep or a long day standing. But when that pain starts to radiate down your legs, making it hard to walk, sit, or even sleep, it’s time to stop brushing it off. Nerve-related pain that travels from your back into your legs is often a sign that something deeper is at play. If left unchecked, it can escalate from a nuisance to a serious health issue. In cases where symptoms persist or worsen, speaking to a Sydney neurosurgeon could provide answers beyond what general practitioners can offer.
Pain that starts in the back and shoots through the hips, buttocks, or legs is often related to nerve compression — meaning something is pressing against or irritating the nerves branching out from your spine. This can be caused by a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or even long-term inflammation. It’s your body’s way of saying: pay attention.
So, how do you know when the pain is something you can manage at home — and when it’s time to get help?
