Question
I have had a problem with my pelvic bone since the birth of my second child 11 years ago.  Occasionally it will feel like it is separating again (as it did early and chronically during both my pregnancies) and cause excruciating pain when I stand or walk, usually on one side or the other, and the pain is fleeting but recurring in nature.  I visited my chiropractor about it today and he did manipulate my hips, but I wonder if this will be sufficient treatment as I had another episode shortly after the manipulation.  Any thoughts on the matter?

Answer
Dear Diana,

I have a few question about your pain.

First of all, the pelvis has three joints, 2 sacroilliac joints in the back that attach the pelvic bones to the sacrum, and one symphysis pubis joint in the front which has a disk between it. The hip joint is actually the joints where your thigh bone (the femur) articulates with the lower part of the pelvis called the acetabulum. I need to know where exactly the problem is to clarify what joints are involved.  Did you have 2 vaginal deliveries, were there any complications, were forceps or vaccum suction used, or did you have a c-section?  Please give me a bit more detail on what you mean by it feels like it is seperating?  

With a bit more detail I hope to give you a more complete and accurate opinion on what may be causing your symptoms as well as some possible solutions.I look forward to hearing back from you soon.

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman