Question
For the last few years I have had a sciatic nerve issue where for a week or so every year I have shooting pain from my lower back down my right leg to my right foot. Last year it finally got to a point where it hurt so bad I decided to do something about it. I went to a chiropractor and got some x-rays. The chiropractor said my sacrum was misaligned by a few centimeters and that was causing the pinch of my sciatic.

I had several sessions a week for a few months and the sciatic issue went away. However I began developing a new issue. My right leg became very weak and could not support my body weight by itself I also had issues just walking and standing. I told the chiropractor about these issues and he didn't seem concerned and kept telling me it had to do with the fact that my sacrum had not bee moving properly and that it was temporary until the muscles adjusted. After several weeks of the same answer and no improvement I decided to stop going to the chiropractor.

After a month or so the strength started to return to my leg but I still had an issue with walking or standing for long periods and running was absolutely out of the question. I began a light exercise routine where I used an elliptical machine for 10-20 mins and did some stretching of the lower back. I have been doing this for six months now. This seemed to really start helping the problem get better but eventually I just hit a wall. I can stand just fine for long periods but I still can't walk for more than 5-10 mins without having pain and discomfort that starts in my hips and works it's way down into my buttocks and upper legs.

Sleeping has been very difficult throughout this entire ordeal. If I sleep flat on my back for too long I get severe pain in my lower back and legs if I try to move. I have to sleep on my side at all times.

Running is still impossible but I can jump up and down with no issues. Trying to side step or walk backwards causes me pain.

I really want to get my body right again but I'm scared about going to any more doctors because I feel like the injury was caused by the chiropractor. What do you think my problem is? Did I just have a bad experience at the chiropractor and I should try another? Should I go see a regular doctor and try physical therapy? What can I do on my own to possibly help the problem?

Thanks in advance for any help!


Answer
HI Brian,

'Sorry for the delay in responding to your question...I had family in this week and forgot to turn off AllExperts...    First of all, your symptoms had nothing to do with your sacrum being misaligned, and the xrays were likely a waste of time.  My suspicion is that you are a fairly young man since you're going to the gym and running.  The fact that your initial sciatic pain went away is a good sign.  MRI is the best method of evaluating if you have nerve impingement or not.   The chiropractor should have performed an orthopedic and neurological exam to determine if you have signs of nerve compression or not, and also to determine what region of your spine or pelvis may be a factor.  Also, he should have also tried to determine what trunk/torso positions reduce your sciatic symptoms so that you could do exercises at home.   If your sciatic symptoms were not changing after a few weeks, then that is a sign that treatment is not working.  That's the point where imaging must be considered or that the treatment protocol needs to be re-considered.    There are different types of chiropractic treatment and, unfortunately, different caliber's of chiropractor.   I'd suggest finding an evidence based chiropractor that will perform a thorough work-up, provide logical and rational treatment, and advise you in a way that makes sense.   Check out who is in your area.  Go to your PCP and see if they have a DC they like.  Ask the DC for a consultation before engaging in exam or treatment, and get a gut feeling if you like them or not.   There's a link on my web site on what to look out for... (see www.drgillman.com, go to the for MD's link)

'Hope this helps.  

Dr. G