Burning Irratation Sharp Pain When Sitting In a Hard Chair

Brenda: I know your post is old but thought I'd try to contact you. I have the same issue that's been going on for almost two years now. The muscle on one side of my back seems to get aggitated/burn/pain when sitting in a hard chair. Have you had any relief or found out the cause? Just curious as it's driving me nuts.

fkv,

It sounds like it could be a pinched nerve. I've had spondylolisthesis for 25 years and started having pains in my buttocks, nether region and lower abdomen while sitting about two years ago. It was just random pains, but very sharp and intense. I thought at first my bladder had fallen or uterus prolapsed. I tried various cushions in my chairs at work, home and church. I also developed burning sensations in my legs over the past year, and the pain in my buttocks and hips grew unbearable. When I went to the doctor, I was told that my spondy had progressed and a disc had degenerated.

I also have a very achy pain in my lower back on the left side, mostly when I sit. If this sounds like the pain you're experiencing, I recommend you see an orthopedic doctor and get some x-rays. They will probably want you to get an MRI, too, because it will reveal what's going on with the nerves.

I have had x-rays of my pelvis, MRI of my lumbar and pelvis with and w/o contrast, MRI of my hip, MRI of my thoracic spine. The ortho doc said I have arthritis in my hip and SI joint. I have had physical therapy, have been to five different chiropractors who have all treated me with different techniques (Graston, Active Release, kinesiology, electrical stim). I have also been to three different physical medicine and rehab doctors. I have tried acupuncture, deep tissue massage, trigger point massage, Bowenwork therapy. Everything is temporary and the pain comes back in a day or two.

I'm sorry you're experiencing so much pain, fkv. You might try taking glucosamine and chondroitin supplements, although the studies on these have been mixed and they haven't seemed to help me (except maybe my fingers and knee). Have you tried taking Tylenol Arthritis and an NSAID (such as aspirin or magnesium salicylate tetrahydrate)? I hope you find something that will help.