Canasia Sports

        One thing I am wondering is:  Is there anyway to differentiate between a lower back sprain/strain and lower back problems due to an inflammatory arthritis involvement?         During the PT for my rt knee scope this summer I started having a stabbing pain from my hip down to my lower leg.  At first I thought it was my hip with referral down to my calf - or maybe an inflammed tendon or muscle.  But it is definately in my lower back since that area now gets sore and stiff at times esp when standing or walking for longer times.  Mornings are also worse which makes me wonder.         The sciatica involvement appears to have gotten worse since I now get tingling sensations down my leg.         Since this developed during PT I figured it was some sort of injury from using some back muscles I hadn't used in a long time.  Now I am not sure.         One weird thing I have noticed is when I am lying on my back with my knees up and I lift my head up (moving my chin towards my chest) I also get the pain through my hip to my calf.  My back is still at the time.  Any thoughts? Thanks. Ron