Thanks Hitmandonny - Yeah - this particular back issue I have is a long term 'weak link'.

I think the reason it's inflamed recently is as a result of field work and perhaps Judo but originally it developed when I was trying to force a strong right cross (without setting it up with any left step - otherwise I think would be OK) without a pivot and being told I should be able to rotate just as far ans as fast as with a pivot.

Now I know better but at the time I guess I felt I had to at least try my best to do as I was told despite being frustrated by it. I think the coach who told me to do it also made the mistake of - "I've seen this so I'll teach it". Fine if you understand it well but he didn't. I actually trained with the coach he was trying to emulate for a while and he didn't teach it the same way.

I have been getting treatment and I guess at least now I have a better understanding of what's been going on all this time so I guess that's a plus.

You're right - thanks for the input StrictlySP. I do have to weigh up all the repercussions. I guess I'm banking on the fact that I'm going easy on it will allow the inflammation to decrease. I'm taking a cold pack with me aswell and have learnt some safe positions I can sleep in on the floor to keep my back supported. I guess at some stage I should test my back out in a hard workout but I'm thinking I'd rather let it have the max amount of time to improve and just lay it all out on fight night.

I'm only an amateur so the bouts are relatively short and being in a light weight division with protective gear I think it's unlikely I'll get KOd. If the first bout is too painful i might conceed the next one - unless I'm eliminated anyway in which there is no next one at this comp.