Question
Hello

My name is Lauren Clarke & I am 32 years old, approx 7 years ago I went to my doctor with what I could only describe as an elastic band fastened around the top of my leg, she told me it was a groin strain & sent me on my way, this dull pain carried on but I lived with it. 3 years ago I changed doctors, I told her about this pain & was referred to a physiotherapist for over a year who discovered my problem was deep under my 2nd right lumbar in an isolated area, I have followed every bit of advice given, I抦 a healthy fit 8 stone 10, with brilliant posture & have really good flexibility after doing Pilates & Yoga for the last few years, although my problem is manageable its still there. I had x-rays done which didn抰 show up anything. It抯 been just over a year since I was signed off but I have gone back to my new doctor as the pain/ache is still there, I have asked for an MRI scan, which I am now waiting for. My doctor has told me to try a chiropractor but I am not sure they will be able to do anything that the physiotherapist hasn抰 done already; this is why I am emailing you. I am convinced the pain is either one of two problems, the obturator nerve is trapped in some way or I have scar tissue in one isolated area that continually tears. If I don抰 exercise the pain gets worse & if I exercise too much the pain gets worse, I can抰 win. Any ideas i'd be over the moon

Thanks
Lauren Clarke

Answer
Dear Lauren,

Great description of what is going on.  It is definitely possible to have a constriction/irritation of the obturator nerve causing symptoms as you have described, or residual scar tissue.  It is also probable to have problems in the illiospoas musculature on the side of symptomatology:  adhesions, scar tissue, hyperactivation, etc...  You obviously have chronic problem which needs to be addressed.

All of the above problems should get some resolution with stretching protocols such as yoga and pilates, although continuation is common with chronic conditions.  There is probably some spinal restriction and nerve involvement which may be as simple as inflammation, or more complex as compression.

Seeing a chiropractic physician is a great choice.  Many times we see patients that have gotten no results, or limited results without resolution of their symptoms.  Spinal manipulation affects the muscular system as well as the peripheral and central nervous system.  Reduction in aberrant muscular and nerve function follows the chiropractic adjustment due to the impulses sent to the spinal cord and brain.  This helps reduce pain and dysfunction and alleviates symptomatology.

I would recommend that you do a small bit of research on chiropractic physicians in your area on the internet as well as through questioning friends and family.  Find 2-3 doctors with advanced credentials (post-doctoral study) and schedule consultations with them over the phone or in the office and find one that will be most appropriate for you...then schedule an exam.  If you need any help on research or chiropractic information, please visit my website. (www.suncoasthealthcare.net)  I have many links to health information and organizations to help you find a qualified docotr in your area.  

Good Luck Lauren, and feel free to contact me with any further questions.

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman