when i try to stand up straight, or lay on my back I cant because of intense pain in my buttock and lower back

Question

anybody have a similar problem? Is it a herniated disc? Something else? please help. i cant even walk upright- i have to walk hunched over.

Answer 1

Only a trained doctror can make a proper diagnosis after doing some tests and an x-ray analysis. I would recommend chiropractic in your case, because chiropractors are highly trained to deal with conditions of the spine, including herniated disks, sciatica, and many others. If your problem does stem from a spinal condition (as opposed to a muscle problem), a good DC will work to restore the spine to its proper position, which will take pressure off of the nerves. It's this pressure on the nerves that normally causes pain in most people.

If you do decide to see a DC, ask family and friends for recommendations, visit a few offices, and pick the doctor you are most comfortable with. No matter what you decide to do, I hope that things improve for you!

Answer 2

I agree with most that you should see a doctor to be on the safe side. I hurt my back about 13 years ago by pushing a piano. It took several days before the pain was too much. I had to walk with my knuckles pushed in my lower back. The ruptured disc felt like a really BAD BRUISE when I touched that part of my back. Almost like someone took a sledge hammer and smashed my lower disc (L4L5). Fear of doctors kept me from having surgery until 2 years ago. If you feel a shooting pain down your leg then you may have a pinched nerve.(Sciatica) I had a ruptured disc and it was pinching into the nerve until I would scream for anyone to help me. Depending on your age, a lazy doctor may tell you that you have degenerative disc disease...everyone with a pulse has that. Disc do degenerate over time. Some things you can do to help relieve the pain is while you are in bed, put a pillow or two under your knees, or you can lay on the side that doesn't hurt and put a pillow between your knees to relieve pressure. I also agree with cold therapy. Heat will cause a nerve to swell and be more likely to pinch. Cold pack for no more than 20 minutes at a time. If this is an injury, stay on top of it because arthritis will start to form around the injury and winters will really suck. But do see a doctor first, maybe physical therapy would help. Good luck... I sure do hope this is a temporary thing. I know what it feels like! Take care!
K

Answer 3

A herniated disc is certainly possible, especially if you are under the age of 55. If you are over that age, it is still possible, but it may be another problem (read below). In this case, the disc has protruded beyond it's normal means of keeping it intact (think of a water balloon that is being squeezed very hard.) When you are trying to stand up straight, you are pinching further on the "water balloon." I recommend at least 5-7 sessions of physical therapy (with a McKenzie trained therapist) to see if the disc can be reduced.

Pain with extenstion of the spine is also characteristic of spinal stenosis...a narrowing of either the canal where the spinal cord sits or where the nerve exits off the spinal cord. When you stand up straight, this space becomes comprimised and causes the nerve to become pinched. Stenosis is also characterized by pain that is produced with prolonged walking or standing and relived by sitting. Physical therapy is helpful in mild cases of stenosis, but if the stenosis is being caused because the disc has degenerated and the space of the neuroforamen cannot be maintain, or if the space has been comprimised by a build up calcium deposits, no conservative therapy (other than possible repeated cortisone injections as part of life long management) can take that away. This is usually a case for a neurosurgeon. Your typical person with stenosis usually feels best walking if leaning over the shopping cart or sitting.


Best of luck!

Answer 4

I have piriformis syndrome, which is a pre-sciatica thing. My mom had sciatica. My personal definition of sciatica would have to be "when Mom turns green, says 'I moved wrong,' and spends three days in bed."

I was going to say that it might be piriformis syndrome, but I re-read your entry and I would have to say your condition has gone beyond piriformis syndrome and into sciatica. :-( Sorry.

An M.D. should be able to refer you to physical therapy. A physical therapist should be able to give you exercises which will help reduce the pain and regain proper movement and posture.

A chiropractor would be able to free up some nerves and give you many of the same exercises that a physical therapist would give you.

Both a chiropractor and a PT will give you homework (exercises). The exercises can be hard to start (as is any exercise program), but they will do you a world of good.

Answer 5

probably sciatica. i have the same thing sometimes. it can be a herniated disc but it's often caused by muscles inflammation around the sciatic nerve. muscle relaxers and rest can cure it. if it still stays then i'd consult a doctor as it could be something more serious than muscle inflammation.

Answer 6

That has happened to me after doing exercise. It was a muscle spasm. Ibuprofin is excellent for that it relaxes the muscles. To be on the safe side you should probably see a doctor before trying that.

Answer 7

See a Chiropractor then use Biofeedback to manage pain till it goes away

Answer 8

If i were you i would consult a docter they now best. Maybe a chiropracter. Don't put heat on your back it is the worst for it, it makes your body strain. Just put ice on it. I hope your back gets better.

Answer 9

It could be. It could also be a pinched nerve. What you describe is consistent with Psiatic nerve pain. I strongly suggest you see a physician ASAP.

Answer 10

maybe you have sciatica....go to an orthopedist