Question
I am 48 years old.  I have chronic lower back pain and hip pain plus mild scoliosis in my mid back.  I have had pain for several years.  The scoliosis   I was dx with at age 12.  I am on pain meds with little relief.
A year or two ago I began experiencing a strange pain.  The only way I know to describe it is "electric".  It only occurs when I sit or lie down.  It starts in my lower back and radiates up and around and stops at the neck.  It does not last more than a couple minutes but takes my breath away.  The pain is in rhythm with my heartbeats.
I hope you can help me.  It is driving me nuts.  It has been occuring more frequently lately.
Thank you.

Answer
Emma,
I would be remiss if I didn't ask you for further information.
I would like to know what meds you are on. What has helped; what hasn't. Your scoliosis- what severity or what degree of scoliosis did you have? Did you wear a brace for it? Did it resolve? Have you consulted a chiropractor, either as a child or as adult?

The pain in your back which radiates UP and into your neck sounds neurologic in origin, and I'm thinking it could POSSIBLY have something to do with a disc protrusion. However, since you once had scoliosis it could possibly be related to that, after all these years.

Finally, if there is any more detail you can offer me it would help. Any more symptoms at all that have occurred since the pain started? Is it only when you sit or lie down? You notice nothing the rest of the time? Standing does not affect it?

I know I'm asking lots of questions, but my goal is to guide you in the right direction so you can get help and alleviate this pain. Even though my questions may sound like a doctor's, I am offering you a nurse's perspective, and will promise to be as honest with you as I can.

I look to hear back from you soon, Emma.