Chronic Lower Back Pain

[shekittymeows]

I do not excersize frequently, however I do like to mountain bike, walk, and walk on my treadmill ocassionally.  In the last three months I have had extreme lower back pain and it is morphing into worse pain and limiting my activity level.  If I were to guess I would say it was a herniated disk because I hurt so bad I can hardly breath, I cant do anything w/o pain, it starts at the small of my back and wraps around my hip and makes my whole right leg hurt with a numb pain.  I have gone to two dr.s so far internal and a physical therapist, which the physical therapist took xrays and says he doesnt see anything wrong but my back is out of place in one spot and it is just a little bit.  But I feel like it is crushing my nerve so bad I limp when I walk.  I cant continue to live like this, it has hindered my abilities at work, at home and my personal activity life.  I cant even clean my house anymore.  It hurts when I bend down to try and lift my leg to put on my pants, I can't hardly lift my right leg at all.  But if the Dr. tells me to bend I dont have a problem with bending, it is the leaning forward and lifting of my leg I cant do very well and w/o extreme pain.  My husband says it seems like an oblique muscle, if anyone has any ideas please tell me.  I appreciate your time very much !

[Dr Vinod]

First thing is what is your weight? Calculate your BMI and if you are out of shape you have to come to the normal limits.
Second thing is Ergonomics: Proper footwear, proper bed, proper chair, proper position while doing your daily chores, driving etc should be followed. Do not lift weights and do not exert your back.
With exercises like swimming, walking, jogging and by losing weight and some strength and back exercise you can decrease this back pain.
You have to go to a neurologist also for proper examination and diagnosis. Take care!

[shekittymeows]

Thank you for your reply! :)  I just went online and it says my BMI is 25.7  I am 5.4 and 150, I guess I could loose ten pounds or so.  I do not wear proper foot wear, as I dress business professional and I have what you would consider "ladies" 3" heels.  I dread having to get the ergonomical shoes however I will have to to feel better.  I went to a neurologist and they measured my nerve reaction w/ an electrical pulse that showed on the screen and they said there was no nerve damage.  Which is great, but doesnt rule out that I hurt teribly! I have gotten a jacuzzi and I am now icing my back and taking ibuprofen, but I wish I could make this go away faster!!!! I dont understand why I can not heal faster.  Thank you again.

[Dr Vinod]

Faster is a relative term. You have to be absolutely fit and for this you have to continue these changes in your lifestyles and you will have a result which would be lasting.
You are lucky that you do not have any pathological changes, after getting examined by your neurologist, so you have a chance and start losing weight and follow up near a neurologist for symptomatic relief and if your symptoms worsen. Take care!