06/12/2025
Did You Know: The path your pain travels can indicate which lumbar nerve is irritated, a condition known as lumbar radiculopathy or sciatica, with different nerves affecting different areas. For example, pain radiating down the back of the thigh and into the calf and heel is often associated with an L5 or S1 nerve root, while an L4 nerve root might cause pain that moves more into the front of the thigh and shin.
How nerve location relates to pain:
• L4 Nerve Root: Irritation here can cause pain, numbness, or weakness that travels down the front of the thigh and shin. You may experience weakness when trying to lift your foot (dorsiflexion).
• L5 Nerve Root: This often causes pain that travels from the lower back and buttocks down to the outer thigh, the front or side of the lower leg, and the top of the foot. Weakness in the ability to lift your foot (dorsiflexion) is common.
• S1 Nerve Root: This is a common cause of pain that radiates down the back of the thigh, into the calf, and to the heel and outer side of the foot. Weakness is present when rising onto your tiptoes, and the Achilles reflex may be lost.
When to seek immediate medical attention:
Seek immediate medical help if you experience severe leg weakness, loss of sensation in the leg, or sudden bladder or bowel incontinence, as these can be signs of a more severe condition.
