Many people may know that lumbar disc herniation can cause lower limb pain, and therefore when similar pain occurs, they immediately suspect a lumbar disc herniation. However, not all lower limb pain is caused by compression from an intervertebral disc. Sometimes, certain characteristic pain patterns may indicate other underlying problems.

Today, Dr. Kong Chao, Associate Chief Physician of Orthopedics at Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, reminds you of three types of pain that are easily misdiagnosed as lumbar disc herniation, hoping to help you stay alert and avoid incorrect self-diagnosis that could delay treatment.

Be cautious of these 3 types of pain being misdiagnosed

1. Rest pain: unexpected trouble during rest

Rest pain refers to pain that occurs while at rest. Whether lying down, sitting, or remaining completely still, this pain can suddenly appear. It differs from the pain characteristics of lumbar disc herniation. Pain caused by lumbar disc herniation typically worsens with activity or changes in posture, whereas rest pain is more likely to originate from other factors such as vascular problems, neural inflammation, or localized muscle tension.

Therefore, if you experience lower limb pain while resting that persists without relief, you should consider seeking professional medical help to exclude the above potential underlying causes.

2. Paroxysmal Pain: Sudden Onset Pain

Paroxysmal pain is a type of pain that appears abruptly and lasts for a relatively short duration. This pain may persist for minutes, hours, or even a whole day, but it typically resolves on its own without any treatment (such as medication, rest, or physical therapy).

This pain pattern is not consistent with the persistent and progressively worsening characteristics of lumbar disc herniation. Paroxysmal pain may originate from transient nerve compression, muscle spasm, or local circulatory disturbances. If you are experiencing this kind of paroxysmal pain, it is recommended to consult a physician for further diagnosis and treatment to ensure the true cause of the pain is accurately identified.

3. Nocturnal Pain: Pain Intensifies in the Quiet of Night

This type of pain is usually more severe at night, affecting sleep quality, and relatively less intense during the day. Nocturnal pain may arise from various causes, such as arthritis, osteoporosis, tumors, or local nerve compression. Compared with the pain of lumbar disc herniation, nocturnal pain is more likely to be persistent and progressively worsening, and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, swelling, or joint stiffness.

If you experience frequent lower limb pain at night that affects sleep quality, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly so that a physician can perform a detailed physical examination and any necessary imaging studies to establish a definitive diagnosis.

Although lumbar disc herniation is one of the common causes of lower limb pain, not all lower limb pain originates from it. When you experience the three types of pain characteristics described above, you should be vigilant and seek medical attention promptly. Have a specialist physician provide a more accurate diagnosis of the true cause and implement treatment to restore health in order to avoid misdiagnosis and delayed therapy.