Question
Over the past six years, I have developed a pain in my lower
left back (at the top of my buttocks, really) that used to
come and go. I suspect it started from being seated for long
periods. The pain can be felt in the leg, but is more of a
discomfort there. It usually appears when I sit.

Lately, it has never really gone away. Walking relieves it,
as does bed rest. I'd describe the current pain as burning
and lightly cramp-like, but if I stay seated, it becomes
much stronger and pushes me out of the chair.

That pain is also associated with a burning pain on the left
groin area where the leg joins to the hip, and is sensitive
when pressed. That pain radiates to my left testicle. All
these pains usually appear together.

When I was travelling three years ago, the pain in my lower
back/top of buttocks became so severe that I could not sit
and I was limping. It was relieved when I stood, but the
deep, cramp-like pain attack would appear as soon as I sat
down again.

I had CT abdomen and pelvic scans recently which showed no
abnormality. My doctor put me on Naproxen as he thinks it's
'mechanical' but thinks sciatica is unlikely. Two days of
taking this, I feel the same.

I'm wondering what I have and what I could do to relieve
this pain as I have a long flight planned in a month and am
anxious.

Kind regards, Peter

Answer
This Chicago, South Loop & Elmhurst Orthopedic Podiatrist says.......

Dear Peter,

Try low back exercises and stretches and see if your condition improves. Make sure that the shoes that you wear during the day have a little bit of a heel to them-this should take some pressure of the area. If any of this makes it worse-go see your orthopedist.
You probably have irritation of certain nerves directly from your back-perhaps some arthritis in the spine or the run of the mill low back pain-due to excess weight or activity.
If you are overweight,please start losing weight ASAP.
Please use common sense-If it continues to hurt-go see your orthopedist.If he says it's a limb length problem and does not offer an orthotic or lift-then go see a Board Certified Podiatrist in Orthopedics.

Hope This Helps
Good Luck!

Dr George Tsatsos & Svetlana Zats
Podiatrist Chicago 60618 & Elmhurst 60126 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661
AnkleNFoot.com
Runnersdoc.com
BabyFootDoc.com

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