Question
QUESTION: I came across the website and have been in pain for many years now. The pain usually only occurs when I am in a bending or sitting position. Hardly does it hurt when standing or laying down on my back.
I have lower left abdominal pain that sometimes radiates to my back. The pain is terrible and I've had many ultra sounds, MRI, and X-rays done along with blood and urine test. The pain feels like a mix of burning and sharp pain. I don't know what else to exactly do because I feel as if I've been trying to find help for many years now and I have seen many specialist.
I had hernia surgery because they thought that was originally the problem.
If you have any idea what it could be, please reply


ANSWER: Hi Matthew,

One possibility is a chronic psoas muscle strain causing nerve impingement. The psoas muscle is a hip flexor and when it becomes tight  or irritated it can compress the nerves around the muscle. Because the psoas muscle attaches to the from of the low back, the pain often times leads to back pain as well. A chronic psoas strain usually goes undetected for years because it can mimic organ pathology.

You can try seeing a chiropractor in your area to help determine if the psoas muscle is the cause of your pain. A tight psoas muscle cannot be detected with MRI and would require testing from a chiropractor, sports medicine physician or physiatrist.

I hope this helps!

Dr. Liza

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Are you sure this is the problem?
I am in so much pain. I am a personal trainer and I am a pre-med student here in Arizona.
I have the most trouble paying attention because when I sit down, it's the worst possible pain ever :(.
I been living with it for 3 years now and I don't know what else to do or take. I don't think most doctors would even write me a pain prescription.
I've had most doctors write me some and it certainly helped, and I only took the pain medicine when I was in class and never outside.
I just don't know what to do anymore, I really feel hopeless and the pain is the most chronic pain I have felt.
I've been through many surgeries including hernia and body lift, but nothing compares the fire, sharp, enduring pain that I live with every day.
I've been to chiropractor, and I think they are a joke.
I've tried so many things..

Answer
I cannot be sure of your problem without completing a thorough history and physical examination. There are several conditions that can be causing your pain and a chronic psoas muscle strain is one option.

Its unfortunate that you think that chiropractors are a joke. I am a chiropractor and I can assure you that I am not a joke. Chiropractors complete a 3-4 year undergraduate degree before attending Chiropractic school for another 4 years with a primary focus on the neuromusculoskeletal system. As with every profession, there are a few bad seeds and I recommend that you find a chiropractor who you are comfortable with. Having a good chiropractor can significantly improve your quality of life especially because you are dealing with chronic pain.

Your chiropractor may be able to suggest pain relieving postures, recommend appropriate testing and treat the muscles, nerves, and joints that are affected in your condition.

There is no guarantee that a Chiropractor can help with your condition but it certainly doesn't hurt to try.