What Does Low Back Strain Feel Like?
Symptoms of low back strain include: • Pain and stiffness in the back. • Pain in the buttocks and the legs, often in the back of the thigh. • Pain that worsens when bending, stretching, coughing, or sneezing. Since some symptoms of low back strain are similar to those of more serious conditions, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor. Any numbness and weakness in your legs, or bowel and bladder problems, can be a sign of nerve damage — and that needs immediate medical attention. To diagnose low back strain, your doctor will give you a thorough exam. You may also need X-rays, MRIs (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), and CT scans. These extra tests may only be needed if your pain doesn’t go away on its own or with conservative treatment.
