Hello DR. Rynne, I am 59 year old female usually in very good health, an active tennis player and professional photographer and a teacher. My lower back is really hurting (killing) me. I have very sharp pain shooting up my backside. I had been doing some lifting of heavy garden landscape material but did not feel I had injured myself, but maybe I had. I have been icing my lower back for the past 6 days 20 minutes on and off when I can. I have also taken Advil. I am worried that its not really my back that is sending sharp pain into my back. I was once hospitalized for dehydration when I was 22 years old and I remember this pain too seems similar. I have been drinking a ton of water and even Gatorade. Should I be seen at a walk in clinic in the morning? I am located in Laguna Beach CA. A friend asked if it was my kidneys and I have no idea but the pain is only numbed by the cold compress and then comes back again. My stomach seems bloated as well.I would appreciate your professional opinion.