So, I've had back pain for years and had it dismissed by others, and doctors. Apparently it was just a strained muscle.

Over the past couple of weeks the pain has really flared up and I've experienced pain while sitting, sciatica, numbness in my left leg, and reduced movement. It comes in waves where some days are worse than others. I went and saw a different doctor and requested an MRI.

The pain isn't as bad as some other medical issues I've experienced before (endometriosis, wisdom tooth infection, exposed nerve in tooth), but this condition has impacted my ability to play sport, do chores and lift heavy objects. The biggest hit as been my pride, and I am constantly feeling useless. I'm worried I won't be able to ever improve at volleyball. 

I got an MRI, and although I'm yet to receive official results, there wasn't much I could do but laugh... 
(It's looking like a herniated disk).

Things I found helpful: 
- Using this Reddit forum hearing lived experiences
- Stretches every hour or so (look up McGill 3)
- Sleeping on my back, or resting in this position when the pain got bad
- Walking
- Trying to get out and do things like shopping or going to the library 
- Using humour to cope 
- Playing light sports for half an hour a day (e.g. casual volley ball 6 a team, one game).
- Getting MRI scans
- THC brownies 
- Finding a good doctor who knows what they are doing
- Talking to friends to let them know I might be absent sometimes. 
- Educating myself on chronic pain -- I'm a lecturer in Health Psychology and the topics on the gateway theory of pain, and CBT around pain were really interesting. 
- Listening to my body give me feedback. If I'm starting to really hurt after doing an activity it suggests stopping.
- My sweet little cats ❤️ 
- It's difficult, but trying to look forward to something. Whether it's in the distant future or making yourself a nice tea or coffee

Things that weren't helpful:
- Straneous and continuous exercise 
- Sitting on my ass constantly
- Having medical health professionals that didn't understand or emphasize with the issue
- Ruminatin or catastrophizing - it does directly make the pain worse 
- Not being engaged in some activity (like reading, gaming, movies) - distraction is key
- Resting or standing for too long

At the moment, I'm optimistic but sometimes I do spiral. This condition sucks, but evidence suggests it will get better and I won't always be like this.

Thanks for reading, 

MRI and my journey with a herniated disc