My father told he have something in nerve back of the both legs from the hip till down he can't explain it rightly like he have pain i think and maybe like pulling or pain inside it and he doesn't have any numbness
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bilateral sciatica both legs pain from hip down causes diagnosis
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sciatic nerve pathway anatomy back of leg hip
Here is a thorough breakdown of what your father is likely experiencing, based on his symptoms:
What Your Father Is Describing
The symptoms - a deep pain/pulling sensation running along the back of both legs from the hip downward, bilaterally (both sides), without numbness - point strongly to sciatic nerve involvement, most likely from a spinal cause.
The Sciatic Nerve - What It Is
The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. It starts in the lower back (lumbar spine), travels through the buttock, and runs down the entire back of each leg all the way to the foot. When this nerve or its roots get irritated or compressed, you feel it anywhere along that path - hip, back of thigh, calf, foot.
The pain can feel like:
- A deep aching or pulling sensation
- Shooting or burning
- Throbbing or dull pressure
- A "nerve pain" that is hard to describe (exactly like your father is saying)
Why BOTH Legs? - The Key Point
Most people get sciatica in one leg. When both legs are affected at the same time, it usually points to a problem at the center of the spine (not just one side), and the most common cause is:
1. Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (Most likely in an older person)
- The spinal canal in the lower back narrows, squeezing the nerve roots on both sides
- Classic symptoms: bilateral buttock and leg pain, often worse with standing and walking, better when sitting or bending forward
- Very common in older adults, often from age-related wear and tear (arthritis, thickened ligaments, bone spurs)
- The textbook description: "bilateral buttock or leg pain, neurogenic claudication" - [Rheumatology, Elsevier 2022]
2. Herniated Disc (Prolapsed Disc)
- A disc in the lower back slips or bulges and presses on the nerve roots
- 95% of important disc problems happen at L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels, causing pain down the back of the legs (S1 nerve: posterior thigh, calf, heel)
- Can affect both sides if the disc herniates centrally
- Typically worsened by coughing, sneezing, sitting for long periods - [Symptom to Diagnosis, 4th Ed.]
3. Lumbar Radiculopathy (Nerve Root Irritation)
- Irritation of the nerve roots where they exit the spine
- Pain, pulling, or aching down the leg without necessarily having numbness (numbness comes later or may be mild)
4. Piriformis Syndrome
- The piriformis muscle in the buttock compresses the sciatic nerve
- Typically causes mid-buttock pain that radiates down the leg
- Pain is worse with sitting and with rotating the hip outward
The Absence of Numbness - What It Means
The fact that your father has no numbness is actually reassuring. It suggests the nerve is irritated but not severely compressed yet. Numbness, weakness, or loss of bladder/bowel control would be more urgent warning signs. That said, bilateral symptoms still deserve prompt medical attention.
Red Flags to Watch For - Seek Emergency Care Immediately If:
- He develops numbness or tingling in the groin, inner thighs, or "saddle area"
- Loss of bladder or bowel control (can't hold urine/stool, or can't pass them)
- Leg weakness - legs giving way, difficulty walking
- Pain after a fall or injury
These would suggest Cauda Equina Syndrome, a medical emergency.
What He Should Do
- See a doctor soon - ideally a GP first, who will examine him and likely order:
- An MRI of the lumbar spine (the best scan for nerves, discs, and stenosis)
- Or an X-ray to start with
- Describe the pain clearly: both legs, back of legs, from hip downward, pulling/deep pain
- Ask about age, occupation, and activity - these help narrow the diagnosis
- In the meantime:
- Avoid prolonged standing or walking if it makes it worse
- Gentle walking is usually better than complete bed rest
- A warm compress on the lower back may help
- Over-the-counter pain relief (ibuprofen or paracetamol) if he has no contraindications
Summary
| Most Likely Cause | Why |
|---|---|
| Lumbar spinal stenosis | Bilateral, from hip down, common in older adults |
| Herniated disc (L4-L5 / L5-S1) | Bilateral nerve root compression |
| Lumbar radiculopathy | Nerve irritation without full numbness |
He needs an MRI of the lumbar spine to find the exact cause. This is very manageable once diagnosed - treatment ranges from physiotherapy and pain management to injections or, in some cases, minimally invasive spine procedures.
Note: This information is for educational guidance only. A proper physical examination and imaging are needed for a real diagnosis. Please have him see a doctor.
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