written by   on 02.08. at 10:38:42

Oh dear, doesn't sound good, especially if it's bad enough to keep you awake. Are you getting the pain for a few hours after class, or does it start to appear a few hours after class? What are the indications that it's linked to changements - does it come on during the actual changements? And do you get any pain in your lower back?

I'm not medically qualified, but I'd guess it could perhaps be the onset of a lower disc problem (rather than a problem with your leg) e.g. nerve-root irritation, which would certainly be aggrivated by jumps. So avoid high jumps, always land as softly as you can through your knees, and above all AVOID FORWARD BENDS! Preferably avoid jumps altogether. And go see a doctor - backs are much too complex & precious to be ignored, so please get some proper advice, or it may become a long-term problem.

This is an alarming development; the first time, I put it down to a fluke, but it's happened 3 times, now.  Anybody else have this problem?

I've had back problems, but as I mentioned recently in a post on alt.arts.ballet, I took up ballet to help with them. And it has helped. The caveat is that I avoid certain exercises (excessive bends from the waist, especially forward bends) and I don't push myself too hard.

An exercise I do to help relieve any sciatica pain is to lie flat on my front and gently raise each leg an inch or so off the ground for a few minutes. But I'm not saying that will help you - your problem could be caused by any number of things, but whatever happens don't ignore it!

Anthony