QuestionI've had this pain in my lower right back/hip, that goes down my thigh, my knee, and sometimes my foot. It spreads in that general area. And the weird thing is everytime I suck in my stomach I feel pain in my ride side between thr hip and waist. This pain is not unbearable. It always gets better when I walk but when I sit down too long, lay down on my side, and it really worries me. I've had this on and off for 4 months. A couple of weeks I wouldn't have it, then it would come back again. I went to the doctor about it in October and he gave me anti-inflammatories and it went away sort of. It improved over time and I didn't feel it as much except during my period or ovulation. Then starting beginning of this month I started feeling it again and it got worse. I have health anxiety and I'm only 19 years old what should I do to help this discomfort? I don't have any other symptoms but I'm still concerned about this.
AnswerLow Back Pain, Hip Pain, Leg Pain, Posterior Thigh Pain, Staten Island Chiropractor, EMG, Inflammation, anti-inflammatories, Staten Island Sciatica,
Hello Anonymous,
Thank You for your question.
So many people have the same or similar questions! I think everyone can benefit from your anonymous question!!!
To start at the end; yes this could well be Sciatica.
To start at the beginning:
You state: ".....I've had this pain in my lower right back/hip, that goes down my thigh, my knee, and sometimes my foot......" this is almost the definition of Sciatica ! see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sciatica
Now, of course, EVERY doctor has the responsibility to differentially diagnose. I am sure your family Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) or local Doctor of Medicine (MD) has discussed this with you. Your case history must be taken, a thorough physical examination must be performed, following this input; more sophisticated testing must be performed: whether Xray, MRI, CT Scan or imaging should be performed- this is a strong possibility; perhaps Blood and Urine tests must be ordered; but appropriate testing after history and exam should be part of the approach to your problem.
You say, "This pain is not unbearable...", this is good; but the pain has been with you for months according to your description, and NOW: "....Then starting beginning of this month I started feeling it again and it got worse....." it is getting worse! I would say it is time to fully investigate this pain, rather than just taking pills to kill the pain! I have a handout sheet that I give people in my Staten Island Chiropractic office- directly related to this issue:
PAIN
Pain is a 憆ed light on the dashboard?
RED LIGHT = Trouble !!
Pain is your body telling you that something is wrong.
Think you should listen??
That RED LIGHT on the dashboard of your car-
-- do you ignore it until the car breaks down,
or do you get it checked and correct the problem?
Pain,
pain in your body-
-- do you ignore it until your body breaks down,
or do you get it checked and correct the problem?
Pain,
do you cover up the pain by taking a painkiller?
Take a painkiller,
mask the pain,
and allow a problem to progress in your body?
Pain Killing medication??? = 16,000 deaths ( probably under-reported )
DEATH ! ? ! ? better watch out on those medications!!!
NOTICE ON PAIN RELIEVERS:
Label changes ORDERED by FDA; the FDA announced proposed label changes for OTC over-the-counter pain relievers to include the potential for stomach bleeding and liver damage (FDA news 206- 207; 12-9-06) ;
SIXTEEN THOUSAND DEATHS: "Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective medications for the treatment of many chronically painful medical conditions. However, it is estimated that 25% of all serious adverse drug reactions involve NSAIDs, with more than 100,000 hospitalizations and 16,000 deaths occurring annually due to NSAID-induced gastrointestinal (GI) events."----- http://hhc.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/13/6/468 Home Health Care Management & Practice, Vol. 13, No. 6, 468-475 (2001) Motrin, Advil = NSAIDS
The American Heart Association issued a scientific statement recommending medical doctors change the way they prescribe OTC pain relievers from a first choice to an alternate of recommending non-pharmacologic treatment (AHA statement 2-26-07).
NSAID Acceleration of ARTHRITIS; an important side effect of Aspirin and other NSAIDS is that it will inhibit cartilage repair and accelerate cartilage destruction ( Journal of Rheumatology, 1982; 9: 3- 5 ). Many times people take NSAIDS for the pain of Arthritis, not realizing these drugs may make the underlying condition worse. These medications cover up the pain, and cause the problem to worsen.
http://rinf.com/alt-news/business-news/prescription-drugs-kill-300-percent-more-
= An analysis of 168,900 autopsies conducted in Florida in 2007 found that three times as many people were killed by legal drugs as by cocaine, heroin and all methamphetamines put together. BE CAREFUL WITH THAT MEDICATION !!!
It was reported in 2000, that 700,000 U.S. citizens die as a result from medical causes (iatrogenics). Of course, other records and statistics had the number above the one million mark. Whether 700,000 or one million people, that's a lot of innocent people dying from visiting a hospital and trusting a medical doctor.= http://www.dherbs.com/articles/iatrogenics-99.html
Pain can often be the result of the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Vertebral Subluxation is actually a quite common condition. Doctors of Chiropractic look for pathological conditions which may require referral to other specialties, and also look for 慡ubluxation? Other disciplines look for pathology, but overlook the importance of alignment and movement in the spine which affects our nervous system (the master control system- ALL health disciplines learn this). VSC- 慡ubluxation??can be the cause of many symptoms and conditions.
Only a Doctor of Chiropractic will evaluate and treat for VSC, as well as other pathology.
The course of VSC is highly variable. Some patients with VSC literally cannot walk, yet other patients with similar test findings may be able to run marathons or lift heavy weights. Some patients immediately develop symptoms related to the VSC, some patients take years to develop symptoms. Some people suffer for only a few days with pain and symptoms, some people suffer for months. Some people recover in days, some take months or years, depending upon severity of the condition.
A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position. When subluxated, joints are in a stressed, vulnerable, compromised condition. Subluxation may cause Arthritis, Disk Herniation, or aggravate such conditions.
Vertebral Subluxation cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone. Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction- - - a manipulation, best performed with the chiropractic adjustment.
Dr. Victor E. Dolan, Staten Island Chiropractor; Diplomate, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomate, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST Chief of Chiropractic in a Hospital in New York State (DHSI); As Seen in PREVENTION Magazine; Invited to Colorado Springs (Olympic Training Center) to Care for USA Olympic Athletes 2010; Chiropractor to the Championship NYPD Football Team, and the PSAL High School Football Champions (Curtis); Staten Island SPORTS Hall of Fame- Unsung Hero 2011; Selected to the Medical Staff of the 2011 Pan American Games, Guadalajara Mexico
I hope you find that information helpful! Do NOT just take pills to cover up the PAIN !!! Pain is your body TALKING TO YOU= you should LISTEN!!!
You say; "....I don't have any other symptoms but I'm still concerned about this.....", do you want to wait until other symptoms develop? Do you want things to get worse? They might get worse. Do you want to get to the bottom of this? Do you want to get to the CAUSE of this problem? See your family chiropractic doctor (DC) or local medical doctor, have an exam, take proper testing to get to the root of the problem, the CAUSE of your symptoms!
What has your DC (Doctor of Chiropractic) said about your pain? If you are not happy with your current Doctor or treratment (and it seems that you are CONCERNED about the LACK of testing, the LACK of diagnosis, the LACK of progress in the right direction. Well- there are MANY different specialties in chiropractic, perhaps you may want to choose a specialist -- see: http://www.acatoday.org/pdf/ApprovedChiropracticSpecialtyPrograms.pdf .
If you feel uneasy- GO FOR A SECOND OPINION, see another Chiropractic Doctor or Medical Doctor- do not be satisfied with one opinion if you feel something is going wrong in your body with no good explanation, if you feel no progress is being made!
Let me give a little more explanation about Sciatica, and I am ASSUMING that is your ACTUAL complaint, actual issue (BUT I RECOMMEND more thorough examination, testing, evaluation). Sciatica is a TYPE of 'pinched nerve'. For my Staten Island Chiropractic office I give the following information to my patients:
For my Staten Island Pinched Nerve patients, I give an information handout sheet- perhaps this could be of help to you:
揚inched Nerve?
( Also Known As- neuritis, neuralgia, brachial-neuritis, sciatica )
損inched nerve??is only ?a diagnosis,
WHAT is causing the 憄inch?
"SCIATICA" is only 1/2 a diagnosis,,,, WHAT is causing the Sciatica? VSC?, HNP?, spasm?
Your Doctor of Chiropractic will examine and evaluate you to make sure you are not showing signs of neurological damage or disease, tumors, cancers, severe pathology, perhaps a Herniated Disc, or a Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Sometimes we can wake up with a 憄inched nerve? or a muscle spasm.... sometimes a slip, trip, fall, heavy lift, or even a motor vehicle accident can cause a 憄inched nerve?
Very often - the true c a u s e of the pinched nerve, painor numbness in the: neck and/ or shoulder and/ or arm and/ or hand; pain in the back and/ or buttock/ hip/ leg/ knee/ foot - is a misalignment, a 慿ink?in the neck or back - more properly termed a Vertebral Subluxation.
Vertebral Subluxation Complex (a.k.a. 憇ubluxation?
The vertebral subluxation complex is the underlying cause of many healthcare problems.
A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
This is a serious condition identified by its five parts:
Spinal Kinesiopathology:
This is fancy way of saying the bones of the spine have lost their normal motion and position. It restricts your ability to turn and bend. It sets in motion the other four components.
Neuropathophysiology:
Improper spinal function can choke, stretch, or irritate delicate nerve tissue. The resulting nerve system dysfunction can cause symptoms elsewhere in the body.
Myopathology:
Muscles supporting the spine can weaken, atrophy, or become tight and go into spasm. The resulting scar tissue changes muscle tone, requiring repeated spinal adjustments.
Histopathology:
A rise in temperature from an increase in blood and lymph supplies result in swelling and inflammation. Discs can bulge, herniate, tear, or degenerate. Other soft tissues may suffer permanent damage.
Pathophysiology:
The VSC contributes to OsteoArthritic degeneration. Bone spurs and other abnormal bony growths attempt to fuse malfunctioning spinal joints. This spinal decay, scar tissue, and long-term nerve dysfunction can cause other systems of the body to malfunction.
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position and the resulting dysfunction(s).
Automobile accidents, improper lifting, improper posture, alcohol, emotional stress, chemical imbalances, and long periods of sitting can cause the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Vertebral Subluxation cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone. Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction- - - a manipulation, best performed with the chiropractic adjustment.
For good health-
Treat the Cause, not just the Symptoms.
揚inched Nerve? ( Also Known As- neuritis, neuralgia, brachial-neuritis, sciatica )
損inched nerve??is only ?a diagnosis, WHAT is causing the 憄inch? ?That 損inch?has to be taken care of FIRST!
As the 損inch??the MECHANICAL component of the problem, the CAUSE of the problem is being taken care of through Chiropractic treatment, perhaps additional help would speed your return to health:
Nerve Health Support:
-----B complex containing thiamine, folic acid, B-12 and niacin is highly suggested for nerve support. High dose
B-vitamins should only be taken at the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.
-----B-6 is lower in patients with neuropathy. Vitamin B-6 reduces the glycosylation that can cause nerve damage. Amounts greater than 200mg/day can cause neuropathy symptoms.
-----Calcium and magnesium are important for nerve conduction and as muscle relaxants.
-----A multi-vitamin/mineral supplement is suggested for comprehensive support.
-----Essential fatty acids are necessary for nerve health. Essential fatty acids include omega-3 fatty acids (fish and flax oil) and omega-6 fatty acids (black currant seed oil, borage oil and evening primrose oil).
-----Proteolytic enzymes may be beneficial in neuritis for the inflammation.
-----Lecithin aids in nerve support.
-----Natural herbal remedies including passion flower, valerian, chamomile, scullcap and white willow bark may be helpful.
-----Eat a healthy diet. Avoid foods that stimulate the nervous system such as caffeine, chocolate, refined sugars, soda pop and cigarettes.
-----Drink plenty of filtered water.
-----Chiropractic care is imperative to remove nerve irritation.
Joint Support:
-----Glucosamine sulfate helps strengthen joint integrity. Glucosamine is effective in relieving joint pain associated with osteoarthritis. Glucosamine's pain-relieving effects may be due to its cartilage-rebuilding properties. These disease-modifying effects are not seen with simple analgesics and are of particular benefit.
-----MSM is known for its pain-relieving properties in such conditions as fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, back pain and muscle soreness. Not many clinical trials have been done using MSM, but clinical observations support the theory that MSM is beneficial in pain managment.
-----White willow is an antiinflammatory and analgesic agent. White willow was used as far back as the Middle Ages to reduce pain and fevers. The salicylates found in the white willow bark are responsible for the anti-inflammatory and anti-fever effects. Acetylsalicylic acid, otherwise known as aspirin, is chemically similar to the salicylates.
-----Boswellia and turmeric (curcumin) are potent antiinflammatory herbs. Curcumin may have similar action to aspirin.
-----
Dr. Victor E. Dolan, Staten Island Doctor of Chiropractic; Diplomate, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomate, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST Chief of Chiropractic in a Hospital in New York State (DHSI); As Seen in PREVENTION Magazine; Selected to provide care to US OLYMPIANS at the US Olympic Training Center, Colorado Springs ; Selected to provide Chiropractic to the NYPD Police Department Football Team; Staten Island Chiropractor
I feel like you are reaching out for help here, you know that the problem has not been fully evaluated or most efficiently treated.
Again, Thank You for your question. I wish you good luck and good health naturally.
Your Staten Island Chiropractor friend,
Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP
