Find solution
What could cause a debilitating sudden pain in upper leg?

What is the cause of pain radiating down the back of my upper leg?

  • Answer:

    I have no idea what the cause of the pain radiating down the back of YOUR upper leg is. One would have to take a history, examine you, and probably review some imaging to answer that question. But as a general comment, radiating pain is often a sign of irritation of a nerve root (a nerve that is just leaving the spinal canal). And the most common causes of that are degenerative problems like disc herniations and bony "spurs." But of course there can be serious causes as well, like tumors of nerve roots, though these are extremely rare. The fact that the symptoms are in only one leg makes a tumor within the spinal canal itself unlikely. Discs herniations, on the other hand, are within the spinal canal and usually do lean to one side. Symptoms best described as "burning" and "tingling" may be of some use - "burning" suggesting some process affecting nerve metabolism (e.g. diabetes) rather than nerve compression, and "tingling" suggesting the opposite. And then the presence of numbness or weakness raises the stakes. Hope this helps. (the above is meant to provide medical information, not medical advice)

Laszlo B. Tamas at Quora Visit the source

Was this solution helpful to you?

Other answers

From my own experience and research I would guess it is sciatic nerve pain.

Steven Powers

I would agree to all the above:  get a firm diagnosis and rule out any neuralgia.  Nerve pain can be due to many things and must be treated accordingly.   One thing that is important to consider, even if neuralgia is present, is myofascial trigger points in the hips and legs that can entrap nerves and/or mimic sciatica (sciatic nerve pain syndrome).  These trigger points can be activated due to an irritation of or injury to the sciatic nerve.  Sometimes it can be a "chicken or the egg" problem that becomes irrelevent except for treatment plans.    If there is compression or entrapment to the nerve, this must be identified  by a qualified physician through orthopaedic tests and possibly imaging such as x-ray or MRI.    If someone presents with neurological entrapment at the myofascial level,  suspect trigger points in gluteus medius/minimus and piriformis primarily.  Therapy to these muscles will often alleviate symptoms enough to initiate more aggressive ROM therapy without the "pain guarding".    If there is signifigant sharp pain, try icing the "sit-bone" (i.e. ischial crest) until it is numb (about 20 minutes with an ice pack).  This should decrease nerve conduction in the sciatic nerve enough to allow the "chemistry to reset a bit".  Then heat area for about 5 minutes, and then try to gently press on the trigger points in the butt muscles with a compression tool like a tennis ball (don't roll around) until they loosen up, after about a minute or two.  Finally, gently stretch the relaxed muscle to a comfortable length.    Finally, address any actions that seem to continually exacerbate the pain.  If you aren't sure what they are, begin to do a check when it's hurting:  what are you doing physically before the pain begins, at the time and up to 48 hours ago.  Keep a record, and see a good therapist to help you sort it out.This answer is not a substitute for professional medical advic...

Kate Simmons

Related Q & A:

Just Added Q & A:

Find solution

For every problem there is a solution! Proved by Solucija.

  • Got an issue and looking for advice?

  • Ask Solucija to search every corner of the Web for help.

  • Get workable solutions and helpful tips in a moment.

Just ask Solucija about an issue you face and immediately get a list of ready solutions, answers and tips from other Internet users. We always provide the most suitable and complete answer to your question at the top, along with a few good alternatives below.