Expert: Dr. Paul Newhart - 5/31/2010

Question
Hello, I am having severe pain in my lower back and tailbone area. It started when I would stand for too long or sit down. It hurts to walk or stand for any period of time. The pain at times when at its worse, shoots to my lower back or tailbone and down through my lower butt.
It has been one week and I am worse today than ever. Cant move really without a lot of pain.

I was diagnosed as a child with a degenerative disease in my spine, it was in my lower back and supposed to have stop when I was done growing. I had a two neck and back injuries as a child, also a broken tailbone when I was ten years old. I am almost 30 now. I often have spasms in my lower back and it is to the point now where it is interfering with my daily activities. What should I do now to fix my bad back? Could it be a pinched nerve or slipped disk?

Answer
There are many possibilities that could be happening...without a hands on exam it would be difficult to pinpoint.  I would suggest an evaluation by a good chiropractor.  Tightness and spasm of the muscles in that area, as well as tightness in ligaments, or misalignment can all cause the problems you are experiencing