I thought I was having some problems with sciatica (as I have in the past) because if feels like the nerves in my back are being pinched and running through my hips, down my legs and into my feet. Occasionally I'll have numbless in various of these areas as well. BUT, after looking in the mirror today, I noticed that I look as if I'm standing crooked to the left. My husband looked at me and said "You're two inches out of plumb!" (He's a carpenter).
It's Labor Day and no one is open to help me. It hurts (which I can live with) but I'm freaking out about not being able to stand up straight!
Is there a possibility of me healing crooked? Can I get away with not seeing a doctor? Any advice really - or even explanations - are accepted.
I have a suggestion for a relaxation exercise that should help your spine relax into better alignment.
Lie on the floor (being sure your body is in a straight line), knees bent, feet flat on the floor. You may use a small pillow under your head if absolutely necessary, but better without. Place arms close to your sides, palms facing up toward the ceiling. Now, relax. Breathe deeply from the belly so your stomach rises and falls...and just relax. Make sure your pelvis is in a neutral position and very slightly tuck your chin so as much as much of your neck touches the floor as possible. (In other words, you don't want your chin pointing up toward the ceiling...)
This position allows the discs to unload, and for any tissue that may be guarding the spine to relax and stop contracting. If it is relatively comfortable, you can do this as many times during the day as you wish. I've been known to find a quiet corner in an airport and lie down for 5 minutes...just so I can continue on with my travels!
Hope it works for you.
You might also try icing your lower back and taking some NSAIDS. I imagine you have some muscles and soft tissue that are contracting in an attempt to off-set the side with the sciatic pain. Our bodies fight to maintain structural alignment and muscles contract in an attempt to "guard" an injured area.
You might also start doing exercises designed to relieve sciatic pain. You may find that you have a muscle imbalance that is causing at least some of your pain. You can find examples of them on various online sites, books, etc. or your doctor could suggest some. If anything causes more pain, stop and talk with your doctor.
I thought I was having some problems with sciatica (as I have in the past) because if feels like the nerves in my back are being pinched and running through my hips, down my legs and into my feet. Occasionally I'll have numbless in various of these areas as well. BUT, after looking in the mirror today, I noticed that I look as if I'm standing crooked to the left. My husband looked at me and said "You're two inches out of plumb!" (He's a carpenter).
It's Labor Day and no one is open to help me. It hurts (which I can live with) but I'm freaking out about not being able to stand up straight!
Is there a possibility of me healing crooked? Can I get away with not seeing a doctor? Any advice really - or even explanations - are accepted.
Thank you for helping.
Hi Seraph, You seem to have an acute lumbar lateral shift. This condition is corrected in two ways, (1) Self correcting, (2) Correcting by someone. both are done in standing. Your husband will be able to do the second if you cannot correct yourself. Seek out "manual correction of acute lumber lateral shift". There is almost certainly a video showing this on the web somewhere.
James
HELP!!! Out of Plumb and Can't Stand Straight 
