Back pain and limping - what is this?

[SuperBunny]

I sometimes (several time a week) get a strange feeling in my back when I stand up after sitting or lying down, almost as if a nerve is trapped in my spine. It makes my lower back hurt, brings tears to my eyes and gives me pain in 1 leg which causes me hobble around for a while. If I bend in a certain way, my back will click and the pain disappears (til the next time).

Usually when I get up, I feel my back and hips crunch and I know I will be ok. But, if that doesn't happen, I have the pain. Is it sciatica? Or something else? Or nothing?

Hey SB, are you anywhere near the National Chiropractic College? It's in Lombard. I took my residency exams there and it's a great school, with a fabulous teaching clinic. Call them and ask for an appointment with an intern who does A.R.T. (Active Release Technique, a deep muscle release technique) along with adjusting. They'll usually do x-rays there before the treat you so you get a complete answer as to what's going on. And whatever intern you end up with will have a supervising staff doctor with years of experience. I know one of the radiologists there, Doug Gregerson, great guy.
Good luck!!

Ooo, Jacksmama, I just googled and it is 45 mins away. But I don't think my health insurance would cover that - I have to use my local hospital. Thanks for the recommendation though - I will bear it in mind.

Anyone else have any ideas?

Sounds like Sciatica (think that's how it's spelt)which is a trapped nerve. I had it really bad a few years ago when I was pregnant. I eventually went to a Chiroprater as I couldn't handle the pain and the NHS were no help atall.

They cured it and in my opinion it's the only answer.

Other than that you could try Ibrupufen to reduce swelling and an ice pack.

Good Luck

What health ins do you have? Are you in an HMO? I hated them when I lived in the US.
Because National has a teaching clinic they will be less expensive than a regular chiro... perhaps phone and ask about fees?

BTW it does sound like sciatica, if you were my patient I'd adjust you and do some muscle work on the piriformis and low back muscles and perhaps prescribe a sacroiliac support belt and some pelvic stabilizing exercises.

Could you HMO send you to a local physio?

I can get referred to a physio - not sure if I have HMO or the other kind - it's a slightly odd plan run by the university but I have had physio before (for something else). I will look into it, thanks.