One of the big misconceptions about back pain is where the actual problem is located.
We may think that because we have a sharp pain in the lower back or butt that radiates into the thigh, that we must have a herniated disc.
Looks can be deceiving.
Some statistics and studies suggest that one in four "disc’ injury cases are really, in fact, sacro-iliac joint problems instead.
More often than not, I find, on examination that that pain in the patient’s lower back or butt is coming from the sacro-iliac joint.
How can you tell the difference?
A proper examination is necessary but from a review of postures and activities that produce the pain, the timing of when the pain starts and where it hurts - one can usually tell the difference.
The sacro-iliac joint injury patient feels a great deal of pain or discomfort when laying or sitting. He feels increased pain transitioning or changing to another position such as getting out of bed or the car to a standing position...but he feels much better once standing up right and walking.
He cannot sit still and appears visibly uncomfortable, almost fidgety, needing to keep moving.
His leg pain, if any, is more often seen radiating to the front of the thigh and into the groin and if in the back of the thigh - it rarely extends below the knee.
Quite differently, however, the disc injury patient feels best lying down. Similar to the sacro-iliac patient, he also feels increased pain changing position from sitting to standing but once standing and walking, his pain increases and he is shortly looking for a place to lay down.
The disc injury patient is more prone to lay very still.
His leg pain is more likely to be in the back of the thigh and to extend below the knee and often to the foot.
Do you experience either of these scenarios or maybe even a combination?
Maybe it would be beneficial to have it checked out.
If nearby, come into the office and Dr. John will do an examination and find out what is causing your pain.
If you’re too far away to do that - why not fill out the Backdoconline Consultation Form (located under links on the side bar), and submit it for Dr. John’s evaluation? Following his review of your consultation form he will give his recommendations as to what may be causing your pain and what you might do for it, including what type of doctor you should go see and what exercises might help you.
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