@juliepm Hi, I could be totally wrong but perhaps you tension in internal nerve plexus that is affecting nerve functions / producing pain. Think about how it feels to get punched in the solar plex (or for men kicked in the crotch; for ladies menstrual cramps). Tension internally on a nerve can make it malfunction and that causes a viscious cycle of pain.

It depends on where the plexus or nerve is and where the pain is. It wasn't clear from your description. Myofascial tissue / muscles clamping on nerves is a common source of pain and there is no test / no imaging and meds don't help it much, either. Stretching and exercise just might.

If so, extremely deep breathing (especially inspiration) and stretching of the psoas – which attaches to diaphragm- might help. If possible, search for psoas stretches (sometimes called hip flexors). Include very deep breathing with those stretches. For the solar plex stretch grab a taller table and crouch over it pulling Google pandiculation) you’ll get an idea what to do while pulling and stretching the solar plexus (celiac plexus) region. See if that helps. That really could be the issue that drives your pain. That caused my back pain and sciatica - without a doubt. It took me a while as I had chains of trigger points- and I firmly believe I had digestive issues from a tight nerve plexus somewhere (for me it was psoas for sure and I believe my sitting pain was from tightness near the pelvic plexus (right near the sitbones from the hypogastric nerves and others)). For me, DDD drives the process, I think. I've had great luck with intense stretching and exercise (including TRX core work - I haven't had a backache in months since I tried that). I still have a little sitting pain and I know at least some to most of that is myofascial tension. Try the pandiculation and deep breathing and find some stretches / exercises. It’s worth a try. See if that helps. Best of luck, Rich