QuestionI had a total hip replaced at age 37 and now I'm 41 I am an electrician by trade and my work is very physical at times and other times not so bad but I climb, bend, stoop, crawl etc, A few years later my primary care physician diagnosed me with sciatica because I started getting an un bearable pain in my right leg that went from mid low back and went to my foot, I take anti inflammatory meds for it and its doing the job, Now I have popping sound like cracking of the knuckles and when I lay down I feel resistance on my spine and then it will "pop" and let go, kinda of like things pushing on each other until one gives out, it startles me but it doesnt hurt. I dont want to ruin my back or left hip joint any more and I am hanging my tool bag up for an electrical code official job where I have driving in a small as my worst thing. My truck is great because I have the room but small cars I could cry at times on a long trip from NJ to Erie PA. What do you think doc... Thanks Jim PS: My PCP said I wasnt"A" symmetrical whatever that means... Thanks for any advice
Answersciatica, lumbar pain, back pain, hip replacement, lumbar pain and popping, asymmetrical,
Hello Jim,
Sorry to hear of your health problems. Sorry to hear you needed a hip replacement at such a young age.
Many people with joint replacement surgery, prosthetics, seem reluctant to go to the Doctor of Chiropractic. My first recommendation is to see your local Doctor of Chiropractic for an evaluation. You talk about back pain, lumbar pain, back 'popping', SCIATICA, , , I know of no better Doctor to visit then the D.C., the Chiropractor, colloquially called the 'spine specialist', the Doctor of Chiropractic.
Doctors of Chiropractic have many different tools in their tool box. Many different techniques with which to treat patients. From anti-inflammatory nutrition, to soft tissue techniques, to osseous adjustment, from high force to low force: there are treatment choices available to your DC. Your hip replacement does not prevent you from being evaluated by a chiropractor or being treated by the chiropractor as appropriate.
So my first recommendation is: see the Chiropractor.
Sounds like you are in New Jersey- call Dr. Ira Shapiro in Old Bridge, NJ @ (732) 723- 0023. He will evaluate and treat you if appropriate, or if too far from you- he will refer you to someone in NJ who is well Qualified. Dr. Shapiro was on my staff at Doctors Hospital in NY, and later became Chiropractor to the United States Olympic Team (Twice). Do not hesitate to give him a call.
Your MD may not find an asymmetry; but DC's look for things different from what MD's look at. Subluxation may still exist. A handout that I utilize in my Staten Island Chiropractic office may be of help in understanding the problem(s):
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Disk Herniation
Herniated disk is actually a quite common condition. However, the course of the condition is highly variable. Some patients with a herniated disk literally cannot walk, yet other patients with similar MRI findings may be able to run marathons or lift heavy weights. Some people suffer for only a few days with pain and symptoms, some people suffer for months. Although the course is highly variable, there are certain steps that are always helpful to follow: Ice the area when painful- 10/ 15minutes on, 30/ 45 minutes off; avoid certain postures and movements; bend the knees when coughing or sneezing; bend the knees when lifting anything; do not extend legs straight out when sitting, laying down, lifting, or driving. Avoiding certain movements and postures will prevent aggravation of the condition. Practicing good postures and movement patterns will help the condition heal and be less painful.
Disk Herniation is often caused by, or often concurrent with the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Vertebral Subluxation Complex (a.k.a. 憇ubluxation?
The vertebral subluxation complex is the underlying cause of many healthcare problems.
A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
Subluxation is a serious condition identified by its five parts:
Spinal Kinesiopathology:
This is fancy way of saying the bones of the spine have lost their normal motion and position. It restricts your ability to turn and bend. It sets in motion the other four components.
Neuropathophysiology:
Improper spinal function can choke, stretch, or irritate delicate nerve tissue. The resulting nerve system dysfunction can cause symptoms elsewhere in the body.
Myopathology:
Muscles supporting the spine can weaken, atrophy, or become tight and go into spasm. The resulting scar tissue changes muscle tone, requiring repeated spinal adjustments.
Histopathology:
A rise in temperature from an increase in blood and lymph supplies result in swelling and inflammation. Discs can bulge, herniate, tear, or degenerate. Other soft tissues may suffer permanent damage.
Pathophysiology:
The VSC contributes to OsteoArthritic degeneration. Bone spurs and other abnormal bony growths attempt to fuse malfunctioning spinal joints. This spinal decay, scar tissue, and long-term nerve dysfunction can cause other systems of the body to malfunction.
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position. When subluxated, joints are in a stressed, vulnerable, compromised condition. Subluxation may cause Arthritis, Disk Herniation, or aggravate such conditions.
Vertebral Subluxation cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone. Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction- - - a manipulation, best performed with the chiropractic adjustment.
Dr. Victor E. Dolan, Doctor of Chiropractic; Diplomat, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST Chief of Chiropractic in a Hospital in New York State (DHSI); As Seen in PREVENTION Magazine
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Lower Back Pain (LBP): Low Back Pain can be caused by many different things. Big, BAD, catastrophic things like a tumor or a cancer can cause low back pain (only a proper exam by a licensed doctor, like your Doctor of Chiropractic, or your family Doctor of Medicine, can evaluate your signs and symptoms, and perhaps refer for testing). Big, bad things like a Herniated Disc, sciatica, possible fracture or dislocation can cause LBP (again, best evaluated by your DC or MD, and perhaps referral). Bad things, like - Sprains, Strains, contusion, or Vertebral Subluxation Complex (all very efficiently diagnosed and treated by your Doctor Of Chiropractic). LBP can come from a motor vehicle accident, sport injury, slip, trip, fall, arthritis, lifting improperly, or even bad posture in standing, sitting or sleeping. All of these things often have a Lumbar (Low Back) Vertebral Subluxation involved.
Vertebral Subluxation Complex (a.k.a. 憇ubluxation?
The vertebral subluxation complex is the underlying cause of many healthcare problems.
A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
This is a serious condition identified by its five parts:
Spinal Kinesiopathology:
This is fancy way of saying the bones of the spine have lost their normal motion and position. It restricts your ability to turn and bend. It sets in motion the other four components.
Neuropathophysiology:
Improper spinal function can choke, stretch, or irritate delicate nerve tissue. The resulting nerve system dysfunction can cause symptoms elsewhere in the body.
Myopathology:
Muscles supporting the spine can weaken, atrophy, or become tight and go into spasm. The resulting scar tissue changes muscle tone, requiring repeated spinal adjustments.
Histopathology:
A rise in temperature from an increase in blood and lymph supplies result in swelling and inflammation. Discs can bulge, herniate, tear, or degenerate. Other soft tissues may suffer permanent damage.
Pathophysiology:
Bone spurs and other abnormal bony growths attempt to fuse malfunctioning spinal joints. This spinal decay, scar tissue, and long-term nerve dysfunction can cause other systems of the body to malfunction.
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position.
Automobile accidents, improper lifting, improper posture, alcohol, emotional stress, chemical imbalances, and long periods of sitting can cause the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Vertebral Subluxation cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone. Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction- - - a manipulation, best performed with the chiropractic adjustment.
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Be careful of certain medications. In the 12- 19- 2006 Associated Press: "The FDA announced proposed changes for over-the-counter
pain relievers to include the potential for stomach bleeding and liver damage (FDA news 206- 207; 12-9-06). Later the American Heart Association issued a scientific statement recommending doctors change the way they prescribe OTC pain relievers from a first choice to an alternate of recommending non-pharmacologic treatment (AHA statement 2-26-07).
Along those lines, as a joint support, anti-inflammatory approach, you might consider: Glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, SAMe, Vitamin C, Omega 3 essential fatty acids, calcium, magnesium.
I hope this helps.
This is your Staten Island Chiropractor signing off, wishing you good luck and Good Health Naturally,
Dr. Victor Dolan, DC
http://www.DocDolan.net
http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com (email newsletter)
http://www.GoodHealthNaturally.info
