Question
I have been to several doctors about a swollen area in front of my pelvis bone.  I thought it was a herina, but all the doctors have agreed it is not, but they don't know what it is.  I hurts every now and again, but more now than usual.  I have had a cat scan and an ultrasound, but everything came back normal.  My chiropractor said it had something to do with my hip flexor not working correctly.  Does this make since to you?  I am scheduled to return in two weeks for a follow up of the adjustment he did.  If this could be the case, how many times do you think I will need to see him?  

Thanks, Robin

Answer
Robin,

If you had sustained some kind of a trauma causing some localized edema (swelling) to the problematic area, perhaps the hip flexors might be involved. However, as I don't have the benefit of knowing exactly what kind of treatment your chiropractor is providing, or what your physical examination findings are, it is difficult to offer you an answer to your question. Some other possibilities might include bursitis of the iliopsoas muscle (which flexes the hip), or some space-occupying mass.

If you're receiving joint manipulations or adjustments for what appears to be some kind of a soft-tissue problem, in my opinion, that is likely to be ineffective. If your chiropractor is using muscle therapy techniques, then I would say that would be more appropriate, if the problem is indeed one which is likely to respond to soft tissue treatments.

I think that an MRI of the pelvis would be appropriate for better evaluating the nature of this problem. Consider speaking to your primary care physician or your chiropractor about having an MRI. Without knowing the precise diagnosis, it's difficult to agree or disagree with a proposed treatment. The question is, what is being treated?

I hope that this answers your question.