Question
I am a 17 year old, active female who has been experiencing lower back pain for a couple of years now. The pain comes and goes, but gets intolerable when I have to stand for more than a few minutes at a time or before and during my period. I am 5'7", 127 lbs and generally healthy. I play a lot of sports and remain active, but I want the pain to stop. It's not so much pain in my spine, but more across the entire width of my lower back, focusing in the center. Should I see a doctor? Do you know what could be causing the pain or how I can make it go away?

Answer
Kerry,

Lower back pain usually comes from being musclebound in the low back muscles.  You need to gain enough control of those muscles to be able to relax them.

A trip to the doctor won't help with that but would rule out more serious conditions.

Please see my articles on back pain (brief) at somatics.com/page4.htm for a clear understanding and options for resolution of the problem.

I think the problem came from improper training or an injury and now the muscles of your back are contracted and sore.

with regard,
Lawrence Gold