Have had lower back pain for 6 weeks now, which doesn't seem to be getting any better. Taking painkillers and inflammatory tablets but these don't seem to be working. When I am sitting on the couch with my legs out straight I find it painful. When I just lift my leg up slightly I get sharp pains, not really in my lower back, but I would say more at my buttocks than anywhere else.

It sounds as if you may have trapped a nerve and it may be worth asking the doctor or a physio if this is the case.

Most soft tissue injuries would have cleared up within the six weeks you have been in pain.

There is one joint that can be particularly troublesome over several weeks though, the sacroiliac joint, which is located either side of the base of the spine.

It's a little hard to explain but if you lie down on your back and clench/lift each buttock up and down, followed by some movements where you 'drop' the hips towards the feet on either side, you may find some relief.

In either case though, do consider applying some Atrogel^® to complement the medicines you are taking.

If you don't get some relief in the first week after trying these exercises and applying the gel then it will have been nearly two months and I would spend £30 on a local physiotherapist. They will usually visit your home if needs be.

Best wishes

Earle