Question
 Hi there, for the past 7 weeks I have had severe back pain  right groin pain, and pain on my buttock. I had 8 treatments with a chiropractor which helped somewhat with the back pain but the pain in my groin is still painful, I am going for a mri scan in 2 weeks and I am feeling anxious that it might be something more severe. Any ideas what you might think the problem might be. Appreciate any ideas.

Many thanks
Maureen

Answer
Hi Maureen,

You probably have an irritated or protruded lumbar disc, likely the 3rd or 4th.   I don't know what "treatments" means, but as long as it's not making your symptoms worse then continue.   Treatment, at best, would include flexion-distraction (or Cox) technique, which is a tractioning of the spine segments.   The doctor must be sure to keep his hand on segements above the one with the disc lesion.   Sometimes SI joints will refer into the groin as will muscles, and your chiropractor should have ruled these out.   You can google cox technique or flexion-distraction to see what that is.  Some folks do well with it.  Also, finding trunk positions that reduce the groin pain should be done, e.g. bending backwards verses forwards.  Keep positions and and exercises that reduce the groin pain, and avoid those that provoke the pain.  Your chiro' should be able to guide you through this.

'Hope this helps.

Dr. G