I've be seeing a chiropractor for an injury of my left sciatic nerve, the pain starts at my lower left backside and goes into my toes.  I have no insurance so the chiropractor is getting costly, would like to know if there is something else I can try.  It's worst in the mornings or if I sit too long.
120494
If the pain is extending all the way down to your toes, then you will need to see a real doctor. A chiropractor will not do anything for you. Unfortunately, this isn't cheap. You will likely need a CT scan at minimum or an MRI at worst. The treatments can include cortisone injection to reduce the swelling of the disc to medication (NSAID). If it's bad enough it may require surgery.
544600
Just like charbar I have that pain in my feet when I get up.You might want to see a chiropractor for a check up.It could be poor circulation of blood, or possibly pressure on some nerves in your back.I have some back problems myself.
382014
Hey. Im a MA at a pain management clinic and you're right. All this basically is, is that you pulled something in your lower back. If you have a primary care physician ( PCP ), get a referal to see a pain managment dr.. If this pain does come and go, then you wouldn't want it to be anything major in the long run by keep putting it off. A pain management doc she be called in for this. We have alot of patients come into the clinic with this type of problem and the dr orders physical therapy to work the kink out. By this being only a problem from exercise and not fibromyalgia, you should be fine with a little light back work-out to work it out. But, still, go see a pain management doc to give you direct orders.
511576
Chiropractor...I used to suffer frequently, but when I started seeing the Chiro..I hardly ever have one anymore...also he had a massage therapist come in and show me a couple of simple massage techniques that do wonders ....
3915
Like any other profession, Chiropractors have both good and bad practicianers.\n\nI had a fall about 15 years ago and a Chropractor helped me a great deal when I had a pinched nerve.  \n\nA Chiropractor can help, but Exercise and a healthy diet to get fit will also promote good body alignment and strength.  \n\nDo you have specific problems that keep making your back having problems?
536661
first of all, disc problems do not heal themselves.  you must do something for them in order to restore them back to their normal orientation.\n\ni am a chiropractor and specialize in spine related injuries. the disc acts as both a cushion and a spacer between each vertebrae. if a disc is bulging/herniated, that bulge can put pressure on the nerves exiting between each vertebra which causes a "pinched nerve." also if the disc is wearing out (getting thinner) you lose the space between the vertebra, which leaves less room for those nerves to exit--and again can pinch a nerve. the nerves in your cervical spine (neck) go all the way down your arm while the nerves in your lumbar spine (low back) form the sciatic nerve which runs all the way down your leg. if any of these are "pinched" they can cause pain, numbess, tingling, weakness wherever these nerves go (down arms/legs).\n\nas a chiropractor i see this type of scenario on a daily basis. for those who have degenerative disc disease, disc herniation, disc bulging, etc.--normal chiropractic care can usually help with those problems. but there are also many people out there that have had this problem for many years and can't find relief with anything they try--including chiropractic. \n\nbut now there is a treatment that is perfect for your situation and the best part is: it's non-surgical and non-invasive. if you haven't heard of it yet it is called spinal decompression. this type of treatment focuses on disc injuries and the problems they cause. i use the DRX9000 spinal decompression system in my office and it works wonders for people with these types of injuries (approx. 90% successful). the DRX9000 is fda approved and is the best decompression system available (there are cheap knock-offs that don't give the same results). \n\nmy recommendation would be to see a chiro, especially if you've never tried it before-just to see what they have to say. also do some research on this treatment and then contact someone (usually a chiro) who uses it in their office. i would just google "DRX9000" to find info on it and doctors in your area who may have it. this treament is able to encourage the disc to go back to it's normal orientation and also rebuild its height--which then takes the pressure off whatever nerve it is compressing. pain meds, cortisone shots, epidurals won't do anything to solve the problem--all they do is cover it up and they become less and less effective over time. surgery AT BEST is 50% successful and usually doesn't solve the problem since most people need another surgery 5-10 years down the road for the same issue. it's typically a viscious cycle. remember: surgery is always an option, so try something prior to surgery to see if you can avoid it--cause once you do the surgery there is no going back.\n\nthis treatment is extremely effective for degenerative disc disease, disc bulging, herniation, etc. and also sciatica type of cases, especially if you haven't had surgery yet. i've had many patients who were scheduled for surgery, tried this treatment as a last resort, and then ended up cancelling their surgery altogether after treatment was completed. it really does work and that's what my recommendation would be for you. good luck and hopefully this gives insight to others experiencing similar problems--there is a solution!!!
580783
It probably IS nerve damage or nerve pinching of some kind. The fact that the pain travels up your arms reveals that. I'm no doctor but my father is a chiropractor (some don't believe in chiropractors, I know). We have patients with pinched nerves all the time, though it is almost always starting in their low back and going down to the legs. Starting in the hands IS odd, but it sounds a lot like the cases we have. We have had a few cases similiar to this one, but chiropractic cannot do a whole lot for it. Ultrasound is our main therapy with some adjustments the Chiropractor does.\n\nMore information is obviously required, as I have no idea your age or if you have even seen a doctor about this (I would assume you have, but if you have not, GO SEE ONE!), and the fact that I am NOT a doctor. Also, you say no weakness or tingling, but how about numbness?\n\nWhatever it turns out to be, I hope you find an answer and a solution!
131035
Hi Rettajean.  As you can see, the answers on this site can be quite 'diverse'.\n\nA correct diagnosis cannot be made from the limited information you give (and without a good physical examiniation).  Did your pain start suddenly or gradually?  Does anything (e.g. any position) make it better?  Have you had this type of pain before?  These are some of the basic questions your doctor should ask.\n\nAdditional questions include the following.  Did you injure yourself or do any excessive activity prior to the onset of the pain (sudden twisting or fall or lifting or sports excesses, ect.)?  Are you having any difficutly with urination?  Change in bowel function?  Menstrual problems?  Do you have a fever? Chills or night sweats?  Leg pains or numbness?  Any muscle weakness in the legs?  Does coughing or sneezing aggravate the pain?  These are just some of the questions that need to be answered to help guide your healthcare professional to a correct diagnosis.\n\nNote: If you answer 'yes' to any of the above questions, you really should see your doctor or Chiropractor.\n\nHave you tried ice (cryotherapy) to see if that will help the pain?  If you do not have an icepack designed for this, you can buy one at any drug store or you can use a large bag of frozen vegetables (corn or peas work well).  \n\nPlace the icepack or veggies in a thin pillow case cover and place that on your area of pain.  Apply the icepack for 20 minutes (if you are doing it correctly you will feel periods of cold, burning, aching, pins/needles and then analgesia/numbness).  Do not keep the icepack on more than about 20 minutes.  You need to give the area a 1 hour period without ice to allow for return of healing blood flow and to prevent frost bite (freezer burn!).  After one hour you can apply the icepack again for another 20 minutes.  Repeat as needed.\n\nBest wishes and good luck!
159824
A Chiropractor does wonders,your neck it probably out and it will and can pinch a nerve,you need to go see one you will feel better,meds don't fix the pain because it will always come back.All they want is your money for making you feel like crap.
380058
You should go back to your physician.  You could have a displaced tailbone. I would not recommend a chiropracter at this point.  Let your doctor look into it and if he recommends a chiropractor then go.  But I would ask your doctor to do any x-ray of your sacrum and coccyx bones to see if they are in position (those are the medical names for your tail bone).
309909
Try mssaging the hip area with dragon balm or tiger balm.\nIt is POSSIBLE that you have inflammation in the joint, arthritis, a muscle or ligament tear, sciatica caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve or any one of many other problems - IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO DIAGNOSE REMOTELY.\n\nDo you know a good osteopath or chiropractor?\n\nThey will assess your injury, most likely massage your lumbar area - including gluts and piriformis - and then adjust you (crack). There is a high success rate with this kind of thing. Numbness usually indicates that there is pressure on a nerve, shooting pains too. Sounds a LOT like sciatica.\n\nI wonder what you did that brought this on?\nSome advice:\nDon't carry your wallet in your back pocket anymore - sitting will be uneven. \nNo crossing the legs either.\nYou can try lying down on the ground - on your back, with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.\nLean sideways and slide a rolled up towel (1-1/2 inches diameter) under you lower back and lie straight again. Slowly lower your knees to the floor so that you basically have a bump under your hips. If this hurts the towel is too thick or you are in too much muscle spasm for this gentle stretch to help.\nIf it doen't hurt, just feel into the stretch - allow the muscles in the lower back to relax. You can stay here for 3-4minutes.\nLean sideways and pull the towel out.\n\n\nThe above will all help - I urge you to see a professional - you don't have to live with this pain.
353816
i am a chiropractor and specialize in spine related injuries. the disc acts as both a cushion and a spacer between each vertebrae. if a disc is bulging/herniated, that bulge can put pressure on the nerves exiting between each vertebra which causes a "pinched nerve." also if the disc is wearing out (getting thinner) you lose the space between the vertebra, which leaves less room for those nerves to exit--and again can pinch a nerve. the nerves in your cervical spine (neck) go all the way down your arm while the nerves in your lumbar spine (low back) form the sciatic nerve which runs all the way down your leg. if any of these are "pinched" they can cause pain, numbess, tingling, weakness wherever these nerves go (down arms/legs).\n\nas a chiropractor i see this type of scenario on a daily basis. for those who have degenerative disc disease, disc herniation, disc bulging, etc.--normal chiropractic care can usually help with those problems. but there are also many people out there that have had this problem for many years and can't find relief with anything they try--including chiropractic. \n\nbut now there is a treatment that is perfect for your situation and the best part is: it's non-surgical and non-invasive. if you haven't heard of it yet it is called spinal decompression. this type of treatment focuses on disc injuries and the problems they cause. i use the DRX9000 spinal decompression system in my office and it works wonders for people with these types of injuries (approx. 90% successful). the DRX9000 is fda approved and is the best decompression system available (there are cheap knock-offs that don't give the same results). \n\nmy recommendation would be to see a chiro, especially if you've never tried it before-just to see what they have to say. also do some research on this treatment and then contact someone (usually a chiro) who uses it in their office. i would just google "DRX9000" to find info on it and doctors in your area who may have it. this treament is able to encourage the disc to go back to it's normal orientation and also rebuild its height--which then takes the pressure off whatever nerve it is compressing. pain meds, cortisone shots, epidurals won't do anything to solve the problem--all they do is cover it up and they become less and less effective over time. surgery AT BEST is 50% successful and usually doesn't solve the problem since most people need another surgery 5-10 years down the road for the same issue. it's typically a viscious cycle. remember: surgery is always an option, so try something prior to surgery to see if you can avoid it--cause once you do the surgery there is no going back.\n\nthis treatment is extremely effective for degenerative disc disease, disc bulging, herniation, etc. and also sciatica type of cases, especially if you haven't had surgery yet. i've had many patients who were scheduled for surgery, tried this treatment as a last resort, and then ended up cancelling their surgery altogether after treatment was completed. it really does work and that's what my recommendation would be for you. good luck and hopefully this gives insight to others experiencing similar problems--there is a solution!!!
371920
Your condition is not so common for someone your age, but it does happen. Surgery wouldn't be the answer especially bone fusion. That's a pretty big deal and usually a last resort, mostly done in patients with instability in their back, or severe disc degeneration. Trust me, you don't want to go there. \n\nThe first step I would take is to go and see a chiropractor regardless of what your MD thinks. You may receive full pain relief without the cost of injections and pain killers. Someone your age will recover quickly if you are in descent health already, i.e not over weight and inactive. \n\nIf you are opposed to that try massage therapy or physical therapy. Most recent research has proven that chiropractic is better for long term pain relief of lower back pain than physical therapy or massage therapy.\n\nThere is a company offering free massage via a table using jade rollers and intense heat. The name of the company is ceragem. The web site is www.ceragem.com  Check for a location in your town. They are not everywhere so if you are in a small town you are out of luck. \n\nIf you must have surgery please visit this web site www.laserspineinstitute.com It is the only type of surgery to consider if you are a candidate for it.\n\nGood luck and ask a friend for a good chiropractor in your area. It could make all the difference in the world\n\nA quick note on spinal decompression:  It is covered by insurance if you find a DO or MD with the unit. Chiropractic offices that have them are overcharging as it should only be 2 to 3 grand for the proceedure. It is effective but also not 100%. Try manipulation first. If thats not successful try decompression but do it at an MD or DO's facility for insurance sake.
190769
Hi Toodle. I am a retired Chiropractor.  I am sorry to hear about your situation.  Clearly you are in significant pain.  Your overall description of your spinal health indicates that you have very serious, and very advanced degenerative changes present.  \n\nLiterally, any of the spinal problems you have can be causing your symptoms (which clearly are related to nerve compression).  Sadly, it is very likely that several of your conditions are contributing to your pain and numbness.  None of your conditions can be readily 'cured'.  But a better understanding of the specifics as they relate to your current symptoms is needed to even begin to try to help you.\n\nSo, here is what confuses me about your explanation.  1)  What type of doctor/doctors are you seeing?  2) What has their physical examination of you indicated? - this is almost always more important/useful than the expensive, high tech, imaging tests (the imaging tests are helpful too, but not without a quality physical exam, which is becoming a lost art!). 3) Why 'can't he give you a scan'?  and 4) Why have you not sought a 2nd or 3rd opinion?\n\nLastly, be very careful of any surgeon who wants to operate on you.  This 'magic placebo' is often not helpful and can make matters much worse.  Having said that, if you have a very clear-cut indication for an easily fixable condition through ONE surgical procedure, then that certainly should be considered - just be sure to have 2nd/3rd opinions that agree about the surgery.\n\n\nLastly, as a Chiropractor I would obviously suggest a chiropractic evaluation.  However, I do not expect chiropractic treatment to be a 'miracle cure' for you.  So, just as with surgeons, be wary of any doctor that promises too much!\n\nBest wishes and good luck!
42350
Have you seen a doctor or had x-rays yet?\nAs opposed to just staying home hurting and doing nothing...\n\nI had back surgery 3 years ago and did not get well even after they straightened my spine and moved the crushed nerve...\nThe problem was the damage was already done, so no amount of surgery would fix it...\nI am now disabled for life and I still don't know what caused it...\nPeople ask me if I was in a car accident or took a bad fall and I say no...\nMy doctor says it was because of calcium deposits on my bones and the bone spur growth caught and crushed the nerve...\nSo I would recommend seeing several doctors and getting several x-rays before surgery...\nAlso see a Pain Management Doctor, he will prescribe the right meds for your pain and you could avoid surgery...
409984
If you have a worn disk in your back, then you should NOT have manipulations done - you're much more likely to suffer irreversible damage.  If the chiropractor is doing low grade gentle adjustments, then that should be fine.\n\nAny bladder or bowel symptoms caused by something pressing on the nerves supplying them in the back is treated as a medical emergency - it usually means there is a central protrusion or problem in the spinal cord, and is extremely serious.\n\nYour MRI would have ruled that out - assuming it was your back that was scanned.\n\nIf the nerve supply to the bladder is intact, it's highly unlikely your bladder symptoms are related to your back problems.\n\nYou don't say whether you have children or what your general history is.  I suggest you get referred for urodynamics - a series of test to see how the bladder copes as it fills and empties.  This should throw some light on the subject.  These tests usually need to be ordered by a gynaecologist - so request  a referral to one.\n\nGood luck - be careful about what you allow to be done to your back - it has to last you a long time, and it's already damaged.
158099
The best way to help you is by going to see a Chiropractor. 80% of all Americans suffer from low back pain at least once in their lifetime and Chiropractic has been shown to be the best (and only) method to correct the problem.