Wow, I hope you figure out what is causing your problem.

I really recommend finding a physical therapist who has experience with athletes, and who maybe does some chiropracter moves. Mine really got my back into alignment, and made me see how out of shape my torso was in, compared to my legs (which bike a lot). In addition to the readjustment, she made me realize how important it is to keep my stomach and back muscles strong. If I don't do my pilates-type exercises a few times a week, my back starts to hurt again. But with strong-core muscles, and stretched out hip & leg ligaments, I really feel normal most of the time. Maybe see if doing pilates helps?

I injured my lower back (not sure exactly how) about a year and a half ago. It actually took me a while to figure out it was my back, b/c i was mainly (at first) only feeling pain in my hamstring. After I realized that it was probably my back, though, i started trying to figure out who to see for something like that. Once i finally got x-rays and an MRI, they told me i had a bulging/herniated disk. I was bummed, but compared to you I now feel lucky to get such an easy diagnosis!

Of course, they said that with a bulge like mine, probably the only solution was surgery. They also said that if such injury didn't go away w/in 6 weeks, it would likely not go away on its own. I was willing to do surgery if nothing else worked, but luckily the PT had an affect on my case.

I do notice that around my period, i get a lot more lower back pain, and I think i'm relapsing until I realize what's going on.

The whole diagnosis took about 3 months, what with all of the appointments, during which time all of the pain really made my ability to deal with stress (usually i'm pretty laid back) much more difficult. It really affected my tolerance for everything, probably because I was never comfortable--sitting, lying down, standing, etc, and it was hard to focus entirely without the pain in the background. It was mentally and emotionally draining, so if you're having trouble, realize that that is pretty normal when you're in pain a lot.

I also figured out that I had switched bikes, and the one i was riding was slightly too big and was exacerbating everything. So I switched back to my old trusty steed. Another friend with a similar injury (and my PT, who is a mountain-bike fanatic) told me that more upright bike, like a hybrid or cruiser, would be better for lower back pain. (that's for transport, not sport))

Everyone's different, so I hope this helps you (or someone)

ANd, if anyone wants a physical therapist who's great with backs in San francisco, let me know and I'll give up my recommendation!

Rai Sue