Lower Back Pain Radiating Down the Leg? Difficulty Walking or Sitting for Long Periods?

It May Not Be Just Ordinary Back Pain

Many patients begin with what seems like simple back pain…

Pain after long working hours

Pain while driving

Pain when getting out of bed

Then gradually, the pain starts radiating into the buttock or down the leg, sometimes with numbness or electric shock-like sensations

At first, the symptoms may temporarily improve with medication, massage, or physiotherapy, leading many people to believe it is simply muscle strain or office syndrome.

But over time, the symptoms often become worse…

Walking becomes difficult

Sitting for long periods becomes painful

Pain radiates down the leg

Numbness or weakness develops

At this stage, the problem may no longer be muscular. It may involve nerve compression or a herniated disc within the spine.

Why Does Back Pain Radiate Down the Leg?

Inside the spine are discs and nerves that support body weight and carry nerve signals to the legs.

When a disc becomes degenerated, bulges, or compresses a nerve, it can cause symptoms such as:

• Lower back pain radiating down the leg

• Numbness, burning, or electric shock-like sensations

• Difficulty walking

• Weakness in the leg

• Increased pain while sitting

• Sleep disturbance due to pain

For some patients, chronic pain gradually affects their ability to work, travel, or enjoy normal daily life.

What Causes These Problems?

Common contributing factors include:

• Prolonged sitting

• Poor posture while using phones or computers

• Improper heavy lifting

• Long-distance driving

• Excess body weight

• Weak core muscles

• Aging and spinal degeneration

• Accidents or injuries

Although medication and physiotherapy may temporarily relieve symptoms, the pain often returns if the true cause is nerve compression.

What Is PSLD / Endoscopic Spine Surgery?

PSLD (Percutaneous Stenoscopic Lumbar Decompression), also known as Endoscopic Spine Surgery, is a minimally invasive spine procedure that uses a small camera and specialized instruments to remove the tissue or disc compressing the nerve.

The primary goal is:

“To relieve pressure on the nerve.”

This helps improve:

• Pain

• Numbness

• Weakness

• Leg pain caused by nerve compression

Especially in patients with herniated discs and lumbar nerve compression.

Why Do Many Patients Prefer PSLD Over Traditional Open Surgery?

Traditional open spine surgery often requires a larger incision and more muscle dissection, which may lead to:

• More postoperative pain

• Longer recovery time

• Greater blood loss

In contrast, PSLD / Endoscopic Spine Surgery offers:

✔️ Smaller incision

✔️ Less muscle damage

✔️ Less postoperative pain

✔️ Faster recovery

✔️ Less bleeding

✔️ Earlier walking and mobility

In many cases, patients are able to stand and walk relatively soon after surgery under proper medical supervision.

Comprehensive Postoperative Care at Chularat 3 International Hospital

At our hospital, we believe treatment does not end in the operating room.

Patients undergoing spine surgery with us receive one complimentary postoperative follow-up visit, including:

✔️ Free Postoperative MRI

To evaluate the surgical site and confirm adequate nerve decompression

✔️ Free Vitamin D Testing

Because Vitamin D plays an important role in bone health, muscle function, and recovery. Many chronic pain patients are found to have Vitamin D deficiency.

✔️ Free HBOT (Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy)

HBOT may help improve tissue oxygenation, recovery, and inflammation control after surgery in selected cases.

We Do Not Just Treat MRI Images —

We Care About Your Entire Recovery Journey

Simply tell us about your symptoms.

Our spine specialists and international patient care team will guide you through every step:

✔️ Evaluation

✔️ MRI and diagnosis

✔️ Treatment planning

✔️ Surgery

✔️ Rehabilitation and physiotherapy

✔️ Follow-up after returning home

Because our goal is not only a successful surgery —

but helping you return to a better quality of life.