i had to chime in on the whole lower back thing. hey missliz, it never occurred to me that lower back problems could be due to uneven leg strength. i have had chronic lower back problems for a while. but lately it has been a different kind. i go to a chiropracter every 4 weeks to get an adjustment(he doesn't pop or crack my joints, just slow nerve and muscle stimulation). but still, lately, my left hip/lower back/I.T. band has been getting quite tight. also, when i turn quickly and bump into something, my back goes through a sort of spasm. it is short and acute. hurts like hell. my chiropractor says it is a defense mechanism. i am not so sure. i am trying to remember back, when i was in school, and there wasn't a lot of concentration on people with lower back problems. i too am taking pilates, helps a lot. what i have also found is my back muscles are just really weak too. my spin instructor gave me some really gentle back strengthening exercises to do. i am amazed at how weak i am back there. i sweat my brains out when i do them.
Hey NWMeg, with the way you were describing your symptoms, it makes me think i am having the same type of problem. a cycling guru i know told me to go get a deep tissue sports massage and have them at least get the knots released so it can be stretched out properly.

so Liz, what do you think? does this sound like an SI related problem?