Differential Diagnosis for Lower Back Pain when Lifting Leg
The patient's symptoms of lower back pain when lifting her leg can be attributed to various causes. Here's a categorized differential diagnosis:
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Lumbar Disc Herniation: This condition is a common cause of lower back pain, especially when lifting or bending. The pain can radiate down the leg due to nerve compression, making it a likely culprit in this scenario.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Lumbar Strain: Muscle strain in the lower back can cause pain when lifting or bending, and is a common condition in individuals who engage in heavy lifting or sudden movements.
- Spondylosis: This condition involves a defect in the pars interarticularis, which can cause lower back pain, especially when lifting or bending.
- Facet Joint Syndrome: Inflammation or degeneration of the facet joints in the lumbar spine can cause lower back pain, which may worsen with lifting or bending.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Cauda Equina Syndrome: A rare but serious condition where the nerves in the spinal canal are compressed, causing severe lower back pain, numbness, and weakness in the legs. It requires immediate medical attention.
- Spinal Infection (e.g., Osteomyelitis, Discitis): Infections in the spine can cause severe lower back pain, and it's essential to rule out these conditions to prevent serious complications.
- Spinal Tumor: Although rare, spinal tumors can cause lower back pain, and it's crucial to consider this possibility to ensure prompt treatment.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Spondylolisthesis: A condition where a vertebra slips out of place, which can cause lower back pain, especially when lifting or bending.
- Tarlov Cyst: A rare condition where a cyst forms in the spinal canal, causing lower back pain and numbness in the legs.
- Arachnoiditis: Inflammation of the arachnoid membrane surrounding the spinal cord, which can cause lower back pain, numbness, and weakness in the legs.