lower back and hip - yikes!

[jwild]

Hi.
I've had ongoing lower back problems and I don't really know what I should be doing next.  For over a year now I have had reoccuring pain in my mid to low right back and into my hip/glute.  Sometimes it travels into an achy sensation in my groin on the same side.  Sometimes it travels down the middle of my bum (feels numb).  Occasionally when I have to pee I have trouble holding it.  Wasn't sure if this is related.  I have been seeing a chiropractor consistently (almost every week) but the symptoms seem to be getting worse.

Any advice?

[MARGARETG]

did you have a fusion L4 L5?
just curios my DR wants to do a fusion l4 l5 s1 and though i have been in pain numbness or tingling for more than two years it still makes me very nervous.
how bad did your symptom get before you agreed?

[carbaholic]

I had the same exact symptoms and in my case I had a herniation at L4 & L5.  I had surgery, a microdiscectomy, and all was better.  You will definately want to get an MRI of your spine.  Sciatic nerve irritation sounds like a likely culprit however only a Dr. can diagnose.

Good Luck
Carbaholic

[rose57]

"I" would stop the chiropractor and seek and orthopaedic physician.  Start with some baseline spine x rays and see what's cookin.  That doc may want an MRI to look deeper to for disc problems etc.  It sounds like the sciatic nerve is irritated and you need to find out why.

good luck