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Bulging Disc & Leg Cramps

A bulging disc is a painful condition that can cause lower back pain and additional pain and disability in the legs. In many cases, the patient has more pain in the legs than he does in his back. This condition is called radiculopathy.

  1. Significance

    • The bulging disc, also known as a pinched nerve or herniated disc, causes pain in the legs when the herniated material from the disc compresses the spinal nerve roots. This condition then transfers the pain to other parts of the body. One of the most common areas affected is the leg and one of the primary symptoms is muscle cramps.

    Function

    • Once your legs start to cramp because of the referred pain, you'll find it difficult to move. Your walking speed, gait and endurance will be affected. In addition to having a difficult time walking and an impossible time trying to run, you will grow fatigued rapidly.

    Time Frame

    • These muscle cramps in the leg can last for varying amounts of time. The cramps can be intensely painful and last for two or three minutes or they can last longer. The intense cramps make it feel like the entire muscle is seizing, while the less-intense cramps can leave you with a feeling of numbness. Less-intense cramps can last 30 minutes or longer.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Epidural injections are often prescribed for bulging disc problems. The physician injects the patient with epidural steroids. The physician uses a fluroscope and gets radiographic confirmation that the injection is going to the correct spot.
      When the epidural injections do not work and the cramping worsens and other symptoms develop (including loss of foot function), lumbar surgery might be needed.

    Potential

    • Once a patient starts to get cramps in his leg regularly, it is time to get checked out and treated by a physician. These conditions often result from automobile accidents, sports injuries or after reaching awkwardly for an item. Many people try to ignore back pain for weeks or months, figuring it will go away. However, once you get referred symptoms such as cramping and leg pain it is time to address the condition before further damage is done.

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