L5 pinched nerve

[SunsetBengal]

Unless you're willing to go out of pocket, most insurance providers make you jump through a lengthy series of hoops, before they're willing to pay for an MRI. (I went through this prior to my shoulder rebuild, two years ago. Thankfully, when I was first diagnosed with the back issues, Obamacare wasn't even a thought) But, the MRI will show exactly what is pinching on that nerve, and may lead to a solution.

Physical therapy is great, if you're really willing to take it seriously and work it. You almost have to make it a part of your daily routine, in order to truly reap the benefits. Building up deficiencies in the muscular structure can cure, or at least mask a lot of ills that keep people down. However, keep this in mind. The body is a complete machine, you need to keep the entire structure strong, in order to keep the pressure off of the soft tissues. I chose the rehab route from my injury, and it has paid off. Obviously, basketball went out the window, as the shock from landing from jumps is terrible for me. However, lower impact work like hiking hilly terrain, swimming, or weight training with loaded carries has kept me going for the most part. Since the initial diagnosis, I've achieved as high as 90% of my pre-injury weight lifting numbers (until middle age caught up with me).