Question 1

can spinal stenosis go to your neck and cause sciatica in both legs?

Accepted Answer

Yes and no: A true "sciatica" is the compression of a nerve or nerves that make up the sciatic nerve, associated with leg symptoms.  Because the sciatic nerve is in the low back and leg, a true sciatica can only be from there.  That being said, patients with cord compression in their neck can definitely have symptoms in their legs similar to a sciatica.  Consider being checked.

Question 2

would a central disc herniation ( l4/l5) have to be quite big to cause sciatica down both legs? and could it cause pain in front of the thigh?

Accepted Answer

Lower leg symptoms: L5 nerve impingement (L4-5 level) from a herniated disc can cause weakness in extending the big toe and potentially in the ankle (foot drop). Numbness and pain can be felt on top of the foot, and pain may also radiate into the buttock. S1 nerve impingement (L5-S1)  may cause loss of the ankle reflex and/or weakness in ankle push off (patients cannot do toe rises). Numbness and pain in foot noted.

Question 3

long saphenous vein blocked on left leg. could this cause sciatica? pain back of both legs, hips and right side groin. worse right side

Accepted Answer

No.: Development of a clot of what was once called the long saphenous vein may cause discomfort, tenderness to touch, redness, or warmth over the length of the vein itself -- something called thrombophlebitis. This is a local issue, self-limited, and should not lead to discomfort in the other leg or the hips. If the clot extends near its junction with the deep veins, it may lead to a DVT.

Question 4

what else can cause sciatica and tingling in both legs, numbness in both feet, when mri says broad based disc bulge at l4, l5 and spine dr says looks normal and the bulge isnt causing my symptoms! help?

Accepted Answer

Sciatica: It is possible you may have developed a polyneuropathy- please have your physician consider ordering a nerve conduction study and emg, or you can request referral to a neurologist.

Question 5

is it possible to have sciatica in both legs?

Accepted Answer

Yes: There is a bowling analogy but I know too little about bowling to get it right so I' won't even try. Some sort of split.

Question 6

i have sciatica in both legs i need to work out to lose weight but i'm so scared i will be in pain i am a mother to 4 kids my legs ache i stretch alot?

Accepted Answer

Weight loss: Please see your doctor or a nutritionist about the safest way to loose weight.  Ask the professional about the ketogenic diet--low carb and higher protein.  Lifestyle changes need to accompany this.  A personal trainer at a gym can provide the best exercise plan for your situation.  You can do it.

Question 7

how do i distinguish pain from my sciatica in both legs from a blood clot?i get scared because the pains i get from hip to foot.pain similar 2 dvt?

Accepted Answer

See details: Any doctor should be able to easily make that differentiation. The symptoms are very different.

Question 8

can sciatica effect both legs? my chiropractor says i'm very out of alignment and i was in agony with one leg and now it's in the other

Accepted Answer

Uncertain it is you: Yes, sciatica can occur in both legs.  It is not certain this is your diagnosis, all we know is that you have pain in both legs and your chiropractor thinks you are out of alignment.

Question 9

pain on left side hip from front and back of leg travels to foot hard to walk very painful if sciatica is it bound to get hip pain and on both legs?

Accepted Answer

Rarely: usually sciatica stays on one side, occasionally can affect both sides, but if I were you, I would see a specialist, perhaps a urologist to determine the cause of your sciatica. That will give you a better answer as to what is going to happen.

Question 10

i have been told i have sciatica but its not getting better i have pain in my lower back into my butt into both legs and down to my feet the pain is very sharp and i can not move its mainly in my left leg and thigh and lower back my leg goes numb and ting

Accepted Answer

Physical : Physical therapy and accupuncture have been shown to provide relief to those suffering from sciatica. Also a consult from a pain management specialist may be in order if everything you have tried includes multiple medications. 
Have you informed your doctor of your persistent pain? If so what alternative treatments/medications have been offered?
Feel free to respond
good luck.

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Doctor answers about:

What causes sciatica in both legs

A member asked:

Can spinal stenosis go to your neck and cause sciatica in both legs?

A member asked:

Would a central disc herniation ( l4/l5) have to be quite big to cause sciatica down both legs? and could it cause pain in front of the thigh?

A member asked:

Long saphenous vein blocked on left leg. could this cause sciatica? pain back of both legs, hips and right side groin. worse right side

A member asked:

What else can cause sciatica and tingling in both legs, numbness in both feet, when mri says broad based disc bulge at l4, l5 and spine dr says looks normal and the bulge isnt causing my symptoms! help?

A member asked:

Is it possible to have sciatica in both legs?

A member asked:

I have sciatica in both legs i need to work out to lose weight but i'm so scared i will be in pain i am a mother to 4 kids my legs ache i stretch alot?

A member asked:

How do i distinguish pain from my sciatica in both legs from a blood clot?i get scared because the pains i get from hip to foot.pain similar 2 dvt?

A member asked:

Can sciatica effect both legs? my chiropractor says i'm very out of alignment and i was in agony with one leg and now it's in the other

A member asked:

Pain on left side hip from front and back of leg travels to foot hard to walk very painful if sciatica is it bound to get hip pain and on both legs?

A member asked:

I have been told i have sciatica but its not getting better i have pain in my lower back into my butt into both legs and down to my feet the pain is very sharp and i can not move its mainly in my left leg and thigh and lower back my leg goes numb and ting

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