Question
Hi,
I woke up 2 weeks ago with severe lower back pain. It feels like extreme muscle spasms to me, right above the "butt crack" in a space about the size of a softball, sometimes across the whole back. The only time it is truly relieved is when I lay on a hard surface on my stomach with my arms tucked under my chest. My doctor said it is probably the sacroiliac but he is not positive. Since I have no heath insurance and am unemployed, I could not afford an x-ray or MRI. He suggested a couple of days rest, followed by normal activity that did not cause pain. Well, everything hurts, to certain degrees. I am still in so much pain I do not feel comfortable starting strengthening exercises yet, but I do move around as close to normal as possible. My question is this. How do I sit? Do I sit with my back straight and my legs at a 90 degree angle? What about in bed or on the soft sofa? I have been sitting on my hips, moving from one to the other, but that is very uncomfortable after a short time. Will sitting damage my spine or joints (assuming his diagnosis could be incorrect and it could be a herniated disk or something) or prevent the healing process? I am confused since standing and laying down restrict activities and one does need to sit!.
Thanks!

Answer
hi susan,
I'm not sure where you live, but if your in nyc feel free to call my office and we'll give you  a student rate. yes, you may have a disc herniation or bulge. i do not recommend just taking it easy and hoping it goes away. call some local chiropractors and see if you can get a few adjustments without xray. explain to them that money is tight and your in pain and looking for relief. as long as there was no trauma im sure he/she will see and treat you without an xray.
if you sit around and wait until it improves (if it improves)you will have wasted several weeks.
if sitting aggravates things do not sit and lie down with pillows under your knees.
good luck!\

David Kulla, DC
synergy wellness
chiropractor