Why does my lower back lock up?!


Question: Why does my lower back lock up?
Okay, this has gone on for a few years now, and I really can't pinpoint any specific event that may have triggered this problem. What happens is if I'm sitting on the floor with my legs stretched out and my back up against something, or if I'm sitting upright in a chair with legs elevated, my lower back (right near my tailbone) will "lock up." That's the only way I can describe it. It's a really horrible feeling, because I can't get up or straighten myself in any way until it cracks. Sometimes even if other body parts (my pelvis, knee, etc.) crack, it frees it up too.

It doesn't necessarily hurt, it's just uncomfortable and worrisome. I'm really concerned about long term implications. I'm 27 years old now and otherwise in very good health (normal body weight, runner, lifter, etc.).

Does anyone have any idea what this could be?

Answers:

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

Joint "cracking" or popping can result from a negative pressure pulling nitrogen gas temporarily into the joint, such as when knuckles are "cracked." This is not harmful. "Cracking" sounds can also be heard if tendons snap over tissues because of minor adjustments in their gliding paths. This can occur with aging as muscle mass and action change.

If cracking is accompanied by pain, there could be underlying abnormalities of the structures of the joint, such as loose cartilage or injured ligaments. Some patients with arthritis (inflammation of joints, usually painful), bursitis, or tendinitis notice "cracking" sounds, or crepitus, with joint movements, due to the snapping of irregular, swollen tissues.

http://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/guid…




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