Question
Had a total Knee Replacement 10 1/2 years ago.  In the last year the burning in that thigh has become unbearable.  Within 5 minutes of standing it is like I am leaning against the oven or someone poured gasoline on my leg and set me on fire.  I also have it if I lay on my back at night.  I also have sever low back pain.  Have had 5 MRI  on lumbar and years ago was told I had herniated L4-5 , L6-S1 but recent MRI (open one) shows no major problem. Dr. said it may have improved.  Now I get sever pain in my tailbone when I sit so I constantly move around.  10 minutes in the kitchen and I have such pain I have to lay on the floor.  I cannot run a vacuum or sweep with a broom or do anything where I have to slightly lean over.  Past week-end got sever pain in back of right hip ( have this a lot) and could not lift my leg for 3 days.  Only way to relieve the pain is to lean on or sit on that cheek.  I have been shuffled around Doctor and they want to do is drug me and I refuse the drugs.  I could cry I have so much pain but it is better than falling asleep driving from work or being nauseous all the time.

Answer
Chris,

Sounds like you are in a very tough situation. First I don't think the knee replacement is directly at fault but may have been a contributing factor as the replacement may have left the leg shorter or longer on the side of replacement which cause your body to have to adapt to the change in length. Many surgeons say Chiropractors are just crazy when we say that. I challenge them to have their heel built up by one inch on only one side and then try to live a normal life. No one has taken me up on my experiment. Not much can be done to remedy this at this point but once you get your pain under control this should be addressed.

Now for your leg/thigh pain. This is most likely caused by pinched nerves or slipped discs in your lumbar spine. If you have disc herniation you would probably be better off finding a chiropractor who employs Spinal Decompression due to the fact that you are aware of herniated discs in your spine as identified by MRIs. There are several DC who have this system. Also if you decide to seek out a Chiropractor that utilizes spinal decompression you would be one step further if the chiropractor also employs Oxygen therapy in addition or actually in unison with decompression. These specialist chiropractors can be found at www.lifechangingcare.com  Please take action on this right away as with the amount of and the type of symptoms you are experiencing it sounds to me it will get worse before it gets better on it's own.

When you get to the chiropractor tell them I sent you and bring a copy of this e mail answer.

Yours in good health,
Dr John Q Quackenbush