Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] Almost constant discomfort in my lower-back and left leg. Sometimes it goes away - and sometimes it returns with excruciating shooting pains which keep me from being able to stand or walk.I am 55 and in fair health, though I don t exercise much. I was riding a bicycle the other day fairly strenuously - and then retired to a small restaurant with short stools to sit on. After about 20 minutes I stood and felt a little pain - then got into a taxi for a short drive to my apartment - and by time I reached there I was almost incapable of getting out of the cab. This was a month ago.I ve done chiropractic before and so went to a trusted practitioner, had several treatments with varying degrees of temporary relief but the pain keeps returning daily.I have also noticed a lump along the ridge of my left hip just off-center from my spine... and that I didn t have one on the right side (my initial pain was on my left side). I ve tried massage with heat and oils to reduce or eliminate the pain with no success.I m tired of putting up with the consistent pain, and also the worry of sitting wrong or for too long and not being able to walk when I stand up.If I experience pain when I stand I can get some relief if I sit back down and bend over stretching the area... I can at least stand up and walk even though there s still residual pain.Realizing it s impossible to diagnose accurately online - I d like recommendations.
[|AI|]  Hi there, thanks for your question at Chat Doctor Most commonly Low backache can be attributed to bad posture or muscle pull/ strain due to abnormal stress on back like sudden twisting movements or lifting weights etc. But I think it needs further work up since. 1. you have back pained for after sitting for 20 minutes(not expected at your age). 2. you have start up pain(pain on getting up form sitting position-indicates some form of instability in the back, muscular or bone)3. New onset pain like sensation in one of your legs(might suggest pinching of nerves in back) 4. No significant improvement in pain after several treatments, heat and medicine(suggests severity of underlying etiology) and 5. You have relief of pain on bending forwards(can suggest arthritis of facet joints - joints in your back). The most basic work up will include a thorough physical exam and X-Ray of your spine. Further course of action will be decided based on them. Online solutions might help you in muscular strains and postural pain, but not if there is some pathology in your back. The lump like feeling in your back can be due to muscle spasm or bony instability, which further calls for a visit to your physician to be more sure. In the meantime, I would suggest you to go through websites on ergonomics. Ergonomics is branch of science which deals with posture adjustments according your livelihood. It will help you choose a posture most suited for your daily routine. Also core stabilization and back strengthening exercises will help support your back in the long run. Hope this helps. All the best. Regards. Chat Doctor.