Question
Hello,

I recently went to my chiropractor and we did some basic cracking and adjusting of my lower back. I have 3 herniated lower discs in my back, and normally the work that we do is helpful. However whatever we did on my last visit on Tuesday was horrifying. By the end of the evening I couldn't walk and was having nerve spasms down my legs. I have rested the entire day today and I am slowly feeling better. The only thing that is really bothering me is that when you look at my alignment straight on, my whole back now curves like an S and my left hip seems to sit higher than my right hip. Even if I try, I can't make my spine straight or if I try, it is extremely painful. Is this something that I should be concerned about? Should I trust my chiropractor anymore? Any input is helpful.

Thanks!

Answer
Dear Kyle,

The primary issue with you is your three herniated discs in the lower back.  As you have stated, your adjustments with your chiropractor have helped in the past.  It is possible, however, that the disc problems are progressing (they usually do. You are not getting younger, and we generally degenerate more over time).

If you were my patient, I would very much like to hear of your bad experience. I would adapt my methods to help you to deal with the new issues.

The good news is that the "S" shape and uneven leg and hip issue is likely what we call "antalgia", and it is the natural response of your body trying to splint your lower back through muscle contraction.  As you give this time, rest, ice, and other treatments, the inflammation will decrease, the spasms will ease off, and the "S" shape and uneven pelvis will gradually subside.

My question is whether or not you are doing any stretching and strengthening exercises? Care of disc problems requires more than adjustments to the spine on the part of the chiropractor.

To make a long statement short... yes, go back to your chiropractor. Ask him/her what he/she thinks went wrong, and what the best course of treatment from this point forward should be. Ask if there are things that you should be doing at home, such as exercises, that will help you over the long term. Please keep in mind that he/she might not give any exercises to you until you are a little bit out of this acute stage that you are in.  

Your current chiropractor knows you better than any other.  If he/she is willing to adapt to your condition, then continue. If not... ask why not... and consider a new one that will help you to self-manage your conditions, as well as do the adjustments that are needed.

I hope that this helps.

Keith Biggs, DC
http://www.eastmesachiropractor.com