Can an Enlarged Prostate Cause Back and Leg Pain?

If you’re experiencing back and leg pain and suspect it might be linked to an enlarged prostate, you’re not alone. An enlarged prostate can lead to discomfort in these areas, often due to conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis (prostate inflammation), or even prostate cancer.

Keep reading to discover how an enlarged prostate can contribute to back and leg pain and learn about effective treatment options to help relieve your discomfort and improve your quality of life.

Enlarged Prostate Symptoms

The most common symptoms of an enlarged prostate are described as LUTS, or lower urinary tract symptoms. These include:  

• Difficulty urinating.
• The urgent, sometimes uncontrollable, need to urinate, even leading to incontinence.
• Urine that leaks or dribbles.

• Frequent need to urinate.
• Slow starting or weak urinary flow.
• Urine flow that stops and starts.
• Nocturia.

If you have an enlarged prostate along with symptoms like hip, lower back, or abdomen pain,  unexplained weight loss, swelling or numbness in the legs, new erectile dysfunction, or blood in the urine, talk your doctor immediately. These signs could indicate a more serious condition, like prostate cancer.

Dealing with Back Pain From an Enlarged Prostate

When managing prostate back pain, a combination of lifestyle changes and medical treatments can help.

Strengthening exercises for the lower back may provide relief, but it’s important to avoid activities like cycling that could put extra strain on the area.

You may also find relief from back pain and other mild BPH symptoms by adjusting your diet and hydration, such as increasing fiber intake and drinking more water during the day, while limiting fluids before bed time.

However, if your symptoms become moderate to severe, a medical procedure may be needed to relieve the effects of BPH. Since conditions like prostatitis (prostate inflammation) and prostate cancer can also cause prostate enlargement and similar symptoms, further evaluation may be necessary to determine the right treatment approach.

Treatment for an Enlarged Prostate

If you’re struggling with painful leg and back symptoms due to an enlarged prostate, treatment options are available that can provide much-needed relief.

Identifying the cause of prostate enlargement is crucial for guiding your next steps. But if BPH is the issues, you may be able to avoid surgery and enhance your quality of life by considering Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) treatment. This minimally invasive procedure reduces the size of the prostate by blocking blood flow to the gland, all without major incisions or general anesthesia. Available at the Georgia Prostate Institute, you can request a consultation  to learn more about PAE and assess your candidacy for this effective BPH treatment option.