Question
For the past 11 weeks; I have been having some pain in my lower back and left hip. I began having some numbness in my left hip,thigh and in entire buttocks area. The past two weeks my entire buttocks and the upper part of the back of my thighs are burning with no relieve. The burning feels much like a sunburn. I have been to a doctor who put me pain relievers for a bit, and then referred me to a chiropractor, he worked with me for 3 weeks and has recently referred me out. I don't know weather to go to a orthopedic or a neurologist. What do you suggest?

Answer
Lower back pain and burning in buttocks , Staten Island Back Pain ,





Hello Connie,


I am sorry to hear of your back pain, burning pain, hip pain, numbness, buttock pain.

It does sound as if you are progressing through a logical course of care.

"....The burning feels much like a sunburn...."- a longshot, but have you doctors perhaps discussed 'shingles' with you.  A possibility, not really a probability since the 'rash' would have erupted by now.

Any other superficial possible cause?  Does your skin on that side come into contact with anything different from the other side?

Complaints seem to be progressing.  What examination did the MD and DC perform- history, physical exam, blood tests?  Xrays?  MRI or CT scan?  EMG/ncv ?  results of these tests?  These are all baseline tests, depending upon further symptoms/ signs elicited in person, there may be additional tests.

You have given conservative care at the chiropractor 3 weeks- fair enough.

I would like to think that a good Doctor of Chiropractic does 'think like' and examine/ order appropriate testing as a combination of the orthopedist/ neurologist.  Given a choice,,, I think I would prefer going to the neurologist (not meaning to put the ortho down).  This sounds like you have some neurological problems going on.

To answer your question:
I would go to the neurologist.
If I have not had Xray, MRI (or CT), EMG- I would have these tests.
I would have a screeening blood test.


I hope this  helps. If you need further, do not hesitate to REcontact me at  AllExperts.com
http://www.allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC.htm .

Thank you for your question.



I wish you good luck and Good Health Naturally,

Dr. Victor Dolan, DC
http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com (Email newsletter)