Question
Hi - I am a 30 yo mother of 4. I have had severe pain in my lower back for four days. I was given some toradol to help with the pain from my dr. It's better (like a 4), but the groin pain is worse. My question is this - should I see an OB about the groin pain (mine said he could run urinalysis and blood work) or should I just give it time and rest? Thanks

Carlie

Answer
Dear Carlie,

Lower back pain can come from the urinary or reporductive systems and needs to be followed up on.  Especially when you have associated groin or pelvic pain...think infections first and have them ruled out.  I would suggest that you get an appointmnet with your OB/GYN and have them look primarily at the baldder/kidneys as well as the  reproductive tissues. Urinalysis is an easy in office test, and blood testing is also easy...no reason not to have it done.

If problems are ruled out, then low back issues should be checked out by a chiropractic physician.  The nerves in the low back send information about pain to the back as well as the pelvis and groin, and the jonts or disk material can cause restriction and inflammtion of the nerves.  Often spinal adjustments will quickly eliminate this pain, but a functional examination needs to be performed first, and I would suggest that x-rays should be analysed as well.  All chiropractors are trained to perform these procedures, and will be able to determine if you will need further testing such as MRI.

Bottom line:  always follow-up on unexplained pain, especially if it moves to the groin.  

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net