Low Back Pain

I have silimar symptoms.

Went to the Doc about a year ago and was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondalitis (a mild form).

My symptoms get worse after extended periods of inactivity. Sciatica sometimes, all the way to my feet, tight muscles, back pain etc.

It may be another avenue to explore. As far as I can recall, it is genetic, diagosis by identifying a particular gene and by describing symptoms. Previous muscular injuries can be exaggerated by the disease. Usual onset is in mid to early 20's and more common in males. I don't know if this even fits any of your descriptions?

Perhaps go to a doc and ask for the blood test. I had repeat visits to physios and chiropractors and it just wan't helping. Since diagnosis have been recommended Yoga, exercise and anti-inflamatories. Yoga and exercise are my preferred treatment and only revert to medication when in severe discomfort.

I've been suffering lower back pain on and off for about the last 15 years...the only treatment that has ever given pain relief (apart from anti-inflamatories(sp?)) has been the ostiopath. Like you I was really dubious, I'm a firm believer in science but as it turned out the ostiopath was not all mumbo-jumbo-karma, he was more like a physio really, I think it is probably a legitimate branch of medecine....you should give an ostiopath a try, I was pleasently surprised when I went.

PS: might not be a bad idea to get a second opinion if you are not happy with diagnosis...the first specialist I went to mis-diagnosed me, about two years later I went to a different specialist who gave me different (accurate) diagnosis. It was the difference in ordering an x-ray versus an MRI, the x-ray gave a false impression of the problem (in your case maybe not showing up the problem), the MRI clearly showed what the real problem is.