Question
Hello...A week ago I was diagnosed by an Orthopedist, as having a possible pinched nerve in my lower back. The X-rays (disc spaces,hips, pelvis)were all good per the doctor so he treated me for the pinched nerve by giving Medrol Dose Pack, which I finished yesterday. It didn't seem to help yet so I called my doc back yesterday to ask for the Lortab to be called in to the Pharmacy...I had declined the pain med. at my initial doctor visit last week. After taking the Lortab last night and this morning, I'm realizing that even though it does relax me, it's not helping with the nerve pain. It's the worst when I've been sitting for long periods, which I try to avoid lately and especially painful when first getting up in the mornings...with my left leg and hip so stiff upon standing and a jolt of pain in my hip or along the side of my hip down the sciatic nerve if I move a certain way or stretch too much. I have a hard time turning over in the bed, etc. I feel an extreme amount of nerve pain in my pelvic floor near the base of my buttock cheek on the left and if I press there, it sends a shock of stiffness and soreness down my leg and it's like my nerves are raw and exposed. After I've been up and about a while, is when I feel best and more limber. I've tried icing, warm baths, etc...and it's only been a week and a half since all this began, but is there anything else I can do or not do ? What can a Chiropractor do for this problem ? My friend had this problem 10 yrs. ago and Chiro. cured her of it, but my husband doesn't want me to visit Chiro...I am interested in your advice, however. Thanks so much.

Answer
I'm sorry, but your husband is foolish. Medication only masks your symptoms , it doesn't fix anything. In your case it isn't even masking your symptoms. Chiropractors remove nerve pressure. It's a fact and there is a ton of research proving its efficacy. So, don't listen to your husband and go see a chiropractor. It's a lot safer to see a chiropractor than to take drugs/narcotics. I dont mean to be rude , but he is not a doctor and therefore you should not take his advice and go by what YOU feel is right for you.
Good luck!