Question
I am being treated for sciatica.  Many of the issues I was having when I first went to the chiropractor have been greatly relieved  like the pain down the back of my left leg, numbness, ankle pain and even plantar faciitis.   But now I am having more pain in areas that are pointing more and more towards piriformis syndrome.  I haven't discussed this yet with my Chiro, but will on my next appointment.  I have pain in my hip area when getting up from a sitting position and when climbing stairs especially.  Also in the butt area where the piriformis muscle would be located.  I can walk with little pain, but sitting is very uncomfortable and climbing stairs is just downright painful.

Also, when my chiro works on my lower back near the butt area, she presses so hard that it causes me extreme pain.  I have told her this on several occasions.  It seem to make all my other pain worse.  I don't know what to do at this point.  The thought of starting over with a new chiropractor is not something I want to do.  

Do you think I might be right about the piriformis?  Thanks for any advice you can give me.

Answer
Carol,
You may in fact be correct. I would discuss this with your chiropractor and let her know everything you let me know. The more she knows the more she will be able to be of good help. I think it would be pertinent for your DC to try a different approach or protocol and see if thaat helps.

My belief is that Chiropractic has it's rightful place in the health care field but Chiropractor's cannot cure everything. I once had a patient with piriformis syndrome I had to send her to a pain management Doc. The MD let me watch the procedure and he actually gave her and injection of anti-inflammatory and pain medication. It took two sessions before the muscle would let go. This patient doing just great and attends with me about every three weeks.

However she was straight up front with me and told that what we were doing was not working. I was so glad that she told me because we as chiropractors or for that matter have to have honest feedback even if you think you will offend us. She told me I changed my protocols and when that didn't work I knew it was time to refer her to a medical doc. Everything turned out for the best.

Please talk to your DC and don't hold back!!! Actually you and all patients should do this and be adamant.

I sincerely hope this helps your medical decision process!
DR John Q Quackenbush
www.drqdc.com