posted 08-06-2003 04:40 PM            

I don't know if it just sounds weird or if anyone else has this problem, but it has only arisen within the last few months and is a huge problem for me when driving or working.

Can anyone help?

posted 08-06-2003 05:08 PM            

Well....here's my 2 cents (for what it's worth) hehe

Within the last few months I have had this weird problem on my upper butt region with a strange bone that runs parallel to my spine. It is about six inches below my waistline and bothers me intensely when I sit down. It kind of sticks out a bit more than my buttocks and causes discomfort by jamming itself into my seat and rubbing the bone

Sounds to me like your SI joint is outta whack. If left like that, nerve pain then damage will be imminent. May I suggest you go see either a chiropractor or a PT or even a good Massage Therapist or Acupuncture/Acupressure specialist. All of these people must study the bones/muscles/nerves, etc. of the spinal column since it IS the central nervous system and all.

Try this test. Standing balanced with feet at shoulder width apart and arms out to sides parallel to the ground, carefully turn your hips ONLY (your arms should not move from their position) to the right then to the left. If this causes immediate pain....stop (anything you do that causes quick pain should be ceased and de-ceased pronto). If you are just moving your hips to the right, then left (or are trying to)-- and it hurts enough to stop, you are looking at a piriformis muscle (that runs straight across the top of the butt) that is having problems. The sciatic nerve runs below the piriformis muscle perpendicularly and goes through the sacrum (which is connected to the spine via the SI Joint).

So if the SI joint is outta whack, you've got some swelling which puts pressure on the sciatic and/or you are over-compensating via your piriformis. It's like dominos....one thing leads to the next and the next and so on. Try icing the area with a gel ice pack for 20 min, wait an hour, 20 on, off an hour ... until you are good and numb. Then relax and enjoy it--DON'T go do something to hurt yourself again.

I hope that was worth 2 cents. hehe Take care.

posted 08-06-2003 05:23 PM            

One thing that I have found that helps in the car is if I sit on the side of my buttock. It provides enough padding for the bone to make it home, but then I don't like to sit when I get there.

I don't have any problem sleeping because I sleep on my stomach, but I drive about two hours every day so it is a problem.

Thanks for the reply successtory.

posted 08-06-2003 10:32 PM            

I think it's time to make an appt with a reputable orthopedic doc/surgeon who specializes in spinal- preferably lumbar spine ailments. Your problem is disrupting your life and with spinal ailments- you don't want to waste time in finding the cause. The orthopedic doc is a specialist in bones & will check out your complaint, probably do an xray & hopefully an MRI & determine what the cause is. IN THE MEANTIME- for pain relief- like Successtory said- apply ice or a gel pack or a bag of frozen peas several x's daily to the area to cut down on inflammation - which should help with your pain. Also for inflammation (swelling -that's adding to your pain) - try anti-inflammatories- advil, aleve (x-strength) WITH food to avoid ulcers. Also, may as well go ahead & invest in a 'Tush Cush' (you can buy it on the web) - this cushion can be used in the car, at work, etc- has a cut out area around the tailbone- & if you're sitting correctly on it - it shld alleviate some of the pressure from the tail bone & other lower discs.

It's important to go ahead & make an appt to get this checked out - so you can do whatever is necessary to get it corrected, so you don't risk permanent damage & so you can get some peace of mind in knowing what's going on with your body. At least find out for sure what's going on. Then you can find out your options. Then you can choose from your options.

Best of luck - please let us know what you decide & how you're doing!

Laura