Question
Hi,

I always get pain in my lower back when turning or bending down to the right, to the extent that I can't hold the position (even long enough to pick an object off up the floor) and I go all trembly afterwards. However I am able to turn or bend much further to the left without any pain or difficulty whatsoever. I'm 17 years old and it's been like this as long as I can remember. Any ideas why this could be and what I could do about it?

Answer
Carly;  

Thanks for the question.   The good news is that one sided pain is easier to diagnose in many cases than both sides.  The classic bending and twisting motion that you mention here is in keeping with a disc injury.  I've outlined lumbar disc injury on my website, www.dynamicclinic.com, it's not the greatest explanation, but it's a start.   Do you notice at times you actually LOOK bent?  That's another sign of the disc.  Worse in the A.M.?  That's another.  

This also has a tendency to run in families.

The best way to decide whether it's a disc issue is to get an MRI of the low back.  They are expensive here in the States, it's got to be outrageous in GB.   

Your first step would be to see any medical practitioner there, and let them evaluate you there.  Don't be scared... 4 out of 10 people have this issue.  

As for treatment, I'd have to evaluate you for what is causing the problem..  Is it structural? Is it inflammatory? Is it neurogenic?  That's for someone to evaluate and decide for themselves.