Leg Pain That Starts in the Back: Treatment in Mineola, NY

MULLIGAN CONCEPT

Leg Pain That Starts in the Back

Not all leg pain from the spine is classic sciatica. Back problems can send aching into the buttock, the side or front of the thigh, or make both legs heavy and sore when you walk and better when you sit or lean forward. At Enhanced Physical Therapy in Mineola, we find where the leg pain is coming from and use Mulligan spinal techniques and exercise to help you walk and stand longer.

Certified Mulligan Practitioner Over 10 Years of Experience

Our clinics director is a Certified Mulligan Practitioner (CMP) with over a decade
of experience using this evidence-based approach. Each treatment is customized to
your specific diagnosis and movement limitations to achieve optimal outcomes.

Common signs of leg pain that starts in the back

Aching in the buttock, thigh or calf that comes from the back
Leg pain or heaviness when walking or standing that eases when you sit or lean on a shopping cart
Pain on the side or front of the thigh
Legs that tire quickly
Back stiffness with the leg symptoms

What causes it

Irritated spinal joints can refer pain into the leg, and age-related narrowing around the nerves (often called spinal stenosis) can cause leg symptoms when standing and walking. Hip problems can feel similar, so we check the hip too.

How we examine it

Before any hands-on treatment, we ask about your health and screen for anything that needs a doctor first. We check nerve function, strength, balance and walking tolerance, and compare the spine and the hip. We test gentle glides, often in a forward-bent direction, to find movements that ease leg symptoms.

Mulligan techniques we use

Spinal Mobilization with Leg Movement. A glide on a low back vertebra while your leg moves, to ease leg symptoms.
Flexion SNAGs. Gentle glides while you bend forward, which opens the space around the nerves.
Lumbar traction. A gentle Mulligan traction technique that some people find eases leg pain.
Self-SNAGs with a belt. A home version to use before walking.

What the research says

Randomized trials have found that spinal mobilization with leg movement and the Bent Leg Raise can reduce pain in low back pain that spreads into the leg. We have not found Mulligan trials in spinal stenosis, where exercise and walking programs are the main treatment, so we use Mulligan techniques there only when they clearly ease symptoms.

What else is in your treatment plan

Your plan includes manual therapy, flexion exercises, hip and core strengthening, balance work and a graded walking or stationary bike program.

How long recovery takes

Many people walk further within 6 to 8 weeks. Longer-term conditions need an ongoing home plan.

If you are over 65

Leg pain that comes on with walking and eases with sitting is one of the main reasons older adults stop walking as far as they used to. Our goal is to help you walk further and stand longer, using forward-bending exercises, a stationary bike or walking plan and balance training. We also screen for circulation problems, which can feel similar.

When to see a doctor first

Call your doctor, or get urgent care, if you have any of the following:

Numbness in the saddle area or new bladder or bowel problems: go to the emergency room
Leg weakness that is getting worse or frequent falls
Leg pain with cold, pale feet, or pain that does not ease with sitting (may be circulation)
Calf swelling and tenderness
Fever or unexplained weight loss

Leg pain that starts in the back treatment near Mineola

Enhanced Physical Therapy is at 137 Willis Ave, Suite 100, Mineola, NY 11501, a short walk from NYU Langone Hospital-Long Island. We see patients from Mineola, Garden City, Williston Park, New Hyde Park, Carle Place, Westbury, Albertson and Manhasset, and across central Nassau County.

Frequently asked questions

Why does leaning on a shopping cart help my legs?

Bending forward opens the space around the nerves in the low back, which often eases this type of leg pain.

Is this sciatica?

Sometimes. Sciatica usually runs down the back of the leg. Other back problems can cause pain in the thigh, buttock or both legs.

Could it be my circulation?

Leg pain with walking can come from circulation. We screen for it and refer you to your doctor if needed.

Is walking good for me?

Yes, in amounts you can manage. A stationary bike is often easier because you lean forward.

Written and clinically reviewed by Jacob Kurian, PT, MSPT, CMP, DPT, Certified Mulligan Practitioner, Enhanced Physical Therapy, Mineola NY. Last updated October 14, 2026.

Move Better, Feel Better

If this is limiting your work, sleep or activity, call Enhanced Physical Therapy at (516) 833-5880 to book an evaluation with Jacob Kurian, Certified Mulligan Practitioner. Mulligan treatment may help reduce pain and improve movement, and we will tell you honestly what to expect.