Question
I've been having back pain for the past 2 years. Sometimes really bad pain. Whenever i lean to the left and look downward i get a really sharp pain. My whole back is always really tight and sore, but the main concern is left side. It seems like my hip bones will hurt sometimes too. Please help!!!

Thanks, John

Answer
John,

Your pain pattern sounds like an irritated L5 or L4 disc with a possibility of disc protrusion where the protrusion is up agains the nerve or spinal canal membranes.  The irritated tissues are provokes when you bend to the side that further irritates them, and also, bending your head down (and I'd bet even worse if you held your breath and bend your head down) can increase the pressure in your spinal canal and provoke a disc protrusion.   Your first step is to get a good spine exam to rule out anything of concern.  The you can try treatment and note if these symptoms go away.  

'Best of luck,

Dr. G