Can back problems cause weak legs?
Back pain is the most common symptom of degenerative disc disease, but the changes in the health of your discs may also cause pain that radiates to your legs. Or, in the case of nerve root damage, leg weakness or foot drop.
What causes weakness in the legs?
Among the most common causes for leg weakness is sciatica, problems with the spinal cord that lead to pinching or compression of the nerves as they exit the spinal cord through the holes between the vertebrae of the backbone. Sciatica may be caused by various conditions.
What causes dogs back legs to be weak?
The most common causes for an older dog’s back legs collapsing, slipping out or hind leg weakness are osteoarthritis, intervertebral disc disease, lumbosacral disease and degenerative myelopathy. And some dogs have more than one issue contributing to their back leg weakness.
Why do my legs feel so weak and shaky?
If you suddenly feel weak, shaky, or lightheaded—or if you even faint—you could be experiencing hypoglycemia. A headache that comes on quickly, weakness or tremor in your arms or legs, and a slight trembling of your body are also signs that your blood sugar is too low.
Does walking strengthen legs?
Walking and running are great ways to build leg strength. Sports like soccer and basketball are great for improving leg power as well. Resistance Training — Resistance training with free weights or weight machines is a great way to improve leg strength and add an extra kick to the latter stages of your run and walk.
Can anxiety make your legs feel weird?
Another common symptom of chronic anxiety is weakness in the muscles, most commonly experienced in the legs and sometimes the arms. During the fight or flight response, the body is preparing to take action against danger.
What causes weakness in the legs and back?
Spinal stenosis, enacting cauda equina compression, can cause pain and a full range of neurological symptoms, including weakness in the legs. Spinal stenosis can be a diagnostic nightmare, since it can enact symptoms in the legs, no matter where in the backbone it exists.
Why does my dog have weakness in her back legs?
Depending on your dog and their particular medical condition, the weakness in their back legs may appear suddenly or come around gradually over a long period of time. Keep an eye out for the following symptoms: Weakness, instability, and loss of mobility – also known as “ataxia.”
What should I do if I feel weakness in my legs?
Sudden leg weakness could be a sign of a serious medical issue, such as a stroke. Head to the nearest emergency room or call 911 if you’re not sure what’s going on.
Can a pinched nerve cause weakness in the legs?
If foraminal stenosis is actually to blame for weakness in the legs, the patient is unlikely to have chronic back pain, leg pain or tingling. If objective numbness and weakness exist exclusively, then a pinched nerve may well be to blame.
What you should know if you have leg weakness?
Leg weakness can resemble or be a symptom of many different disorders, including stroke and multiple sclerosis. An early indicator of weakness in the legs is a tingling or numbing sensation. Numbness is a loss of feeling in the legs that may make it difficult to walk.
Can back problems cause leg weakness?
A back injury, which might cause damage to the sciatic nerve, also can be a cause for leg weakness. Many of the nerves in the back are connected to the nerves in the legs, and this is what causes the legs to become weak.
What causes sudden onset of weakness in legs?
Sudden leg weakness can be a cause for concern and should prompt immediate medical attention. Some causes of sudden leg weakness include stroke (due to a decrease in oxygen reaching parts of the brain), spinal cord damage, or a pinched nerve coming out of the spinal cord.
What does severe weakness in the legs indicate?
Weakness in the legs often occurs as a result of overactivity. However, it can sometimes be a sign of an underlying medical condition. A person who experiences sudden weakness in the legs or some other part of their body should seek emergency medical attention. Such symptoms could signal a stroke or other life-threatening illnesses.