Mrs. J.R. from Olyphant writes:

I have been having lower back pain on the right side for about 3 months. Now, the pain is beginning to travel down the back of my right leg to the ankle. It started after doing a lot of lifting. I was packing and moving boxes for a move to a new house. The symptoms didn't start right away. After about 3 days I was in a lot of pain. I went to my family doctor who gave me Ibuprofen. It helped but it never went away. What do you think it is and can chiropractic help me?

Dr Erris responds:

Low back pain that is brought on by a mechanical act, like lifting, usually results in a mechanical problem. That is, it can be a problem of the disc, spinal joints, ligaments and tendons. However, there is almost always and inflammatory component, as well. A careful history and physical examination usually can reduce the number of underlying possibilities. Sometime, the examination doesn't give us all the info we need so additional tests may be necessary, especially with pain radiating down the leg. An MRI is the test of choice and, while expensive, provides a wealth of information. Other tests, although less frequently used, is an EMG (electromyography). This tests both the nerve and the muscles the nerves go to. It can tell us if there is permanent or reversible damage to the nerves and/or muscles.

Recent government and independent research has shown that chiropractic (spinal manipulation) is the treatment of choice in lower back pain. The overwhelmingly vast majority of people with symptoms you describe get excellent results with chiropractic and can usually resume normal activities in a reasonable period of time.

I suggest that you seek out the chiropractor of your choice and have him/her examine and evaluate your particular situation. The longer this type of problem goes untreated the longer it takes to successfully treat. Go to our disorders link and click on Herniated Disc for more detailed information about how herniated discs cause lower back and leg pain.

Do you have a question you would like the docs to answer for you? Just go to our Contact page. Fill out the form. You can ask us anything. If it isn't something chiropractic can help, we will try to find a health provider that can! We will get back to you quickly and maybe your question will be highlighted on our website.