Question
about a month ago my lower back started to really ache.I tend to think I did something while using wii sport but am not sure.I rested my back used a heating pad,took Tylenol,also tried Motrim and those heating pads that adhere to the skin.After about a week it seemed the pain moved from the lower center of my back more towards the sides especially the left along with the back of the left thigh.Now after almost a month I can hardly use my left thigh muscle without pain.Getting in and out of a car is very painful as is getting up from a chair or turning in bed.I am sorry if I am not explaing myself well.Do you think I should just give it more time or do I need to see a doctor for maybe an MRI ?

Answer
HI Sharon,

Sorry for the delay in responding to your question.   The answer is simple: go to a doctor that specializes in evaluating and treating what you have.  I'd recommend a good chiropractor.   See if you can find someone on this list: www.westhartfordgroup.com, or simply ask around and find someone that you can meet and consult with.   After one month, more time is not going to help.  From what you describe, it sounds like you irritated a disc in your back and the pain is progressing, going further away from the center of your back and more into the periphery (vis, your thigh).  This pain could also be coming from your hip and not your back.  You need to interface with a chiropractor that can differentiate which joint system is involved and which is not.  Since you don't describe symptoms into your calf and foot, it's likely that things are not too bad and probably will be amenable to treatment.  

'Hope this helps.

Dr. G