<s>[INST] Hi. Around 8 years ago a doctor had to do lumbar puncture on me to test for maningitus and since that time i have had a very bad back pain and over the last 3-4 years i have developed sciatica pain as well. I have used all gels, warm and cold patches and painkillers and exercises but as soon as it gets cold my sciatica kicks in and it is so difficult to do anything. I am only 27 years old and because of this problem I feel like I am 50 due to the lack of mobility during the extreme pain. Is there anything else you would recommend that does not include steroid injections as I do not want steroids in my body. Thanks [/INST] Lumbar puncture is often blamed for back pain, but it is not the cause, especially after so many years. If the pain has been there cor a long time, you should undergo clinical evaluation by a spine surgeon and may be an MRI if required. Most back pains get better with properly guided physiotherapy and regular exercises. Maintaining proper posture during daily routine activities is also most important. Take care. </s>