Question
I am 26 years old and have had back pain of some degree as far back as I can remember.  I finally went to a doctor after all those years figuring something was not normal.  The doctor did all the X-rays and gave the "diagnosis" of Spina Bifida Occulta in 1996.  (Brief history side note...my half-brother has it, so possible genetic factor, and I had whiplash in 1991, I have always been a serious athelete in ALL types of sports.) I have had varying degrees of pain off and on since then as well as specific symptoms:  leaning forward, touching my toes for instance, feels good and I tend to sort of rotate my back side to side while I do this, for relief, DAILY!  Although, leaning back at all hurts very badly and can cause me to hurt so bad that I have to just lie on the floor still for a few minutes.  (I know how much that hurts so of course I avoid that now!)  I "crack" my back multiple times a day for MAJOR relief as well.  Also, I have tried hanging from an uneven bar type thing thinking it would relieve some pain and it only made it hurt!  I have good days and bad days and the last week has been pretty painful and stiff.  Sometimes I get shooting pains in my lower back and I just don't know what to do.  I am only 26 years old and my back is making me feel older.  It seems to be getting more and more painful and I am at a loss.  I am trying to do more research now that I am older and came across this site.  I guess my last thought is "help!"

Answer
I am curious as to what kind of doctor gave you the diagnosis.  Spina Bifida occulta is usually not painful at all unless there is another complicating factor.  What level is affected?  It sounds like you have more of a facet syndrome, but possibly another condition with spina bifida called a knife clasp deformity.  Is this true?  Please find out and write me back.

Dr. P