Originally posted by GNVAIR
I went through similar problems. I first hurt my back around Thanksgiving 1996. Was out of work for awhile since I couldnt walk. Went to a chiropractor and 2 doctors. I was given a back brace that didnt help. What helped me was staying off my feet for awhile. I didnt have ANY problems until the summer of 2002. Out of the blue the pain was back with a vengence. I went to the chiropractor for 6 months and didnt get any relief. I ended up just biting the bullet and dealing with it. It got to the point where I couldnt take it anymore. I found a local orthopedist who ordered an MRI. He was the first one to actually SHOW me what was wrong. He recommended not doing surgury or the epidurals that some people recommend. Mine was also at L5. He recommended just taking it easy. This meant no more trying to lift transmissions and other heavy things by myself. I know my limits and I know now that anytime I over work myself I will pay dearly for it.
You really need to try reading the book I linked. You are a classic example of the problem illustrated in the book.