I would like some help diagnosing an injury I have been dealing with for the past week. It started out a week ago as a stiff lower back, just on the right side. Previously, I have occasionally had issues with a stiff lower back, but those problems were different. In all the previous cases, the lower back would be tight, to the point where it would be difficult to bend down to put shoes on. Sometimes, the back would even spasm and I couldn't reach my shoes without help. However, in these circumstances, running would usually loosen up the back, and right after a run, my back would pretty much feel normal.
However, this injury has behaved differently: bending down feels fine (although bending down while standing only on the right leg hurts), walking hurts a little, and running starts out at an ache and gradually tightens up. As the last week has progressed, it seems to be less of a lower back issue and more of a hip/butt issue, as the muscle at the top of the butt cannot seem to loosen, regardless of stretching or warming up. I also feel a clicking sensation when I do certain exercises trying to loosen the hip, although I never feel that clicking while running, just tightness.
Any thoughts or experiences with a similar injury are much appreciated! Stretches/exercises/therapy etc ... any information is helpful.