Question
Hi Dr. Newhart,

Thanks very much for fielding this question. If I can do anything for you regarding real estate title (my profession) or relationships (1 year on AllExperts.com and ready to create a web site) I'd be happy to help.

I'm 41, slender and fit. Picked up a nasty cold over the weekend and slept most of it away. When I woke up, went to the couch and was talking on the phone. Then got up to put a twist tie on a bag of garbage. Did not even lift the bag but when I stood up, a sharp, shooting pain went through my back, the lower left part of my back.

What happened?

For two days it hurt, off the spine, on just the lower left side of my back. Now three days later, it no longer hurts there. Instead, it is searing pain centered on my tailbone and on the upper part of my left buttock.

Crossing my legs, putting on socks, standing up, sitting down or stretching while in bed, getting into the car, well, extremely painful!

Surprisingly, I can walk fine, with only minimal wincing.

Will this heal itself or have I really hurt myself significantly?

Thanks very much. If I can offer anything in return to you, would be willing to do so.

John

Answer
Thank you firstly for the counter offer!  Do you have a chiropractor?  If not, you may want to visit one.  It sounds as if you have strained: 1.  The sacroiliac joint, 2.  Caused spasm in one of many muscles, such as Psoas, Iliopsoas, Piriformis.  All of the above are contributing to irrigation of nerves :back there"...not quite sciatic region but darn close.  A chiropractor, after taking X-rays, should be able to help you, and also determine if it is something that MAY require medical attention.  Hope that this helps.