Numbness in the legs like an "electric shock": Beware of spinal problems.

(Dan Tri Newspaper) - Many people simply call it "sciatica" and try to endure it with a few painkillers.

The pain starts in the lower back, then runs down the buttocks, back of the thighs, and calves like an "electric current." It's sharp when sitting for a long time, and numb and tingling when standing up; walking feels heavy as if your feet are weighed down with lead.

Many people simply call it "sciatica" and try to endure it with a few painkillers. But according to experts, this could be a sign of a herniated disc compressing the nerve root, and if left untreated, it can lead to unfortunate consequences for mobility.

Why does a herniated disc cause pain and numbness along the leg?

According to Health , a herniated disc occurs when the nucleus pulposus protrudes, directly compressing the nerve roots or spinal cord, causing pain, numbness, and significantly affecting the quality of life. If the compression is prolonged, the risk of impaired mobility may increase.

A herniated disc occurs when the nucleus pulposus protrudes, directly compressing a nerve root or spinal cord (Image: Getty).

In reality, not all back pain is due to a herniated disc. However, when back pain is accompanied by numbness radiating along the nerve pathway down the leg, especially when sitting for long periods, coughing, sneezing, or bending over, patients should seek medical attention promptly to determine the cause.

Back pain and leg numbness can sometimes mask an emergency situation. According to NHS (UK) healthcare warnings, if symptoms suggestive of cauda equina syndrome, such as saddle numbness, urinary or bowel dysfunction, or progressive weakness in both legs, require urgent evaluation.

The message here is that you shouldn't self-treat at home when symptoms change rapidly or there are signs of neurological progression.

Groups at high risk of herniated discs typically include office workers who sit for long periods, people who frequently perform heavy lifting with incorrect posture, long-distance drivers, construction workers, and industrial workers.

According to medical reviews, being overweight or obese, a sedentary lifestyle, and smoking also increase the risk of early degeneration and damage to the intervertebral discs. Furthermore, middle-aged and older individuals, especially those over 35-40, when the discs begin to lose water and elasticity, should pay particular attention to persistent back pain, pain radiating down the legs, or recurring numbness and tingling; these issues should not be ignored.

Epidural injections: A new pain relief solution.

In many cases, conservative treatment remains the cornerstone, including medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments.

However, MSc. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Kim Hue - Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders, Hong Ngoc General Hospital, Phuc Truong Minh branch, stated: "If acute pain does not respond to oral medication, or if the patient has underlying conditions such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stomach problems, liver failure, or kidney failure, making the prolonged use of high doses of painkillers risky, the treatment protocol may switch to an alternative solution, which is epidural injection."

Back pain and numbness symptoms significantly improved after a course of injections (Photo: BVCC).

Epidural injection is the optimal medical procedure for relieving back pain and leg numbness caused by herniated discs, suitable for patients who do not respond to oral medication or have underlying medical conditions.

During the injection, doctors will use ultrasound to pinpoint the exact location, ensuring the medication is delivered directly to the epidural space in the affected area. This helps to reduce inflammation and immediately relieve pain-sensing nerve irritation, so patients will feel the effects right after the injection.

Another advantage is that the medication acts directly at the injection site, not entering the entire body like oral administration, thus avoiding adverse effects on the patient's underlying medical conditions. After the injection, the patient will be closely monitored for about 30 minutes to ensure there are no side effects.

Dr. Kim Hue advises that epidural injections are an optimal method for reducing pain and numbness, but they cannot completely resolve herniated discs. They should be combined with physical therapy and lifestyle changes to maintain long-term effectiveness.

When experiencing pain accompanied by numbness in both legs, patients should immediately seek examination and treatment at reputable medical facilities to avoid dangerous complications.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/te-chan-nhu-dien-giat-coi-chung-benh-cot-song-20260111061402269.htm