missvikki - this sure sounds like sciatica to me. And the only reason I suspect that is that I had many of the same conditions and symptoms as you. I had spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal usually due to arthritis, and I still have scoliosis, a bending of the lumbar spine in my case. Actually, this stuff is still going on, but my core is very strong and that helps.

It could also be a herniated disc that should be visible on an X-ray or MRI. These can be treated with cortisone shots (it's not as bad as it sounds) and usually resolve without surgery.

It could also be a ruptured disc, in which case surgery is required. I had laminotomies on my L4, L5, and S1 vertebra. The surgeon drilled holes into the back of the vertebra, cleaned up the arthritis and removed the disc that had ruptured into the spinal canal. This reduced the stenosis and gave the nerves more room. The first surgeon would only do fusion. I found a second surgeon who did this without fusion. Recovery was pretty quick, say a week or so, and that was just over 10 years ago.

I was in my mid 50s and fusion wasn't necessary. Now I've lost 20 lbs, exercise every day, especially the core muscles, and that is all that is holding my lumbar spine together. I'm 69 now, and if I need surgery again, I've been told it will involve fusion.

So back to your question, I'm doubtful acupuncture can help with this condition. But do check around as long as you can deal with the symptoms. I got to the point where I couldn't stand up for more than a few minutes and walking was hard.

Simple ways to get short-term relief - ice your lower back as often as possible (absolutely no heat!) and lay on the floor on your back and put your les up on a couch. Get a pillow and a book and take some pressure off. But these are temporary. This is also probably why you feel better in the morning. You've taken pressure off the spine while sleeping.

Get well, get better (you will!).