My back is eating itself

[Ohow]

Or that's how it feels.

My lower back on rising from a seat position, going up and down stairs, or bending over, is trying to destroy itself.

Came on as a niggle Wednesday at work - no obvious cause - and has gotten worse since.

I've never had back problems before - what do I do?

Ice or heat?
Sit or move?
Massage or no?

Fucking hell im sat still and it's just twinged a pain all down one leg.

Please help!!

This happened to me. An osteopath sorted me out.

Pain down a leg could be sciatica.
Be aware of signs of Cauda Equina syndrome.
Otherwise pain relief, massage if it helps and keep moving. I found heat better than cold.

A twinge from your back down one leg sounds like sciatica.

Ice, keep moving and see a good sports masseur (preferably LSSM qualified) as soon as you can,

Keep moving. If you can bear it, child’s pose several times a day (but slow and gentle and not if your back shouts). Anti inflammatory meds. Did i mention movement? I had so many episodes of bad lower back pain and sciatica when younger. I am now religious about stretching and moving and it almost never bothers me now unless I get really stressed and/or travel long distances (sitting without movement for several hours). Oh and I can’t do a full day seated in the office either anymore: standing desk, walking breaks etc. And see a physio.

As already mentioned cauda equina be aware of ...watch out for ANY signs of bowel or urinary dysfunction get to hospital ASAP.

Everyone has their own best strategy, OP, we can't tell you. You find out thru trial and error. I have figured out (possibly) that keeping gentle movement up, do NOT lie down for long periods, No heat or ice, anti-spasm drugs, and painkillers, with good posture habits, helps me recover fastest.

Mine came out of nowhere in my 20s and comes back occasionally.

Thanks all!

So far it's hurt most when rising and sitting. Is ok lying down and walking.

Will try Childs pose and stretching it out