Sharp nerve pain everywhere?

Lower back pain, pinched nerve or something else?

• Im an 18 year old male, i have been struggling with lower pack pain ever since my sophomore year in high school. Recently i have been going back to the chiropractors who think that when i have low back pain it is because of a pinched nerve. Whenever they treat me it goes away, for weeks at a time and i am pain free. However after the first few re-occurrences they told me that if i were to strengthen my core i wouldnt have this problem anymore. It has been two months since my last pain occurrence (sharp pain in lower back, doesnt radiate down, only in lower back area) and i have had considerable improvement to my core strength with the help of the P90 program. However while playing volleyball a couple days ago i arched my back and got that familiar pain again. Is it common to have a pinched nerve in the same area this often? If I am keeping up with my exercises why does this continue to happen? Im going back to the chiropractor in a few days, but im looking for a permanent solution. I need suggestions other than the doctors because ive had MRI's in the past that reveal nothing. (Some extra info, my right leg is 9mm shorter than my life, last XRay at chiropractor showed my disk had slid sideways pinching nerve but they say its not the problem)

• Answer:

  See your health care provider as soon as possible (orthopedic surgeon or neurologist), for consultation. A pinched nerve in the neck or lower back can be caused by a herniated disc, arthritis, bone spurs, or spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis is narrowing of the spinal column that causes pressure on the spinal cord, or narrowing of the opening (called neural foramina) where spinal nerves leave the spinal column. Symptoms include: Numbness, cramping, or pain in the back, buttocks, thighs, or calves, or in the neck, shoulders, or arms. Weakness of part of a leg or arm. Symptoms are more likely to be present or get worse when you stand or walk. They will often lessen or disappear when you sit down or lean forward. Most people with spinal stenosis cannot walk for a long period of time. See a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment. I hope this helps you. And good luck.