What kind of doctor should I see??

[jcm]

I'm finally breaking down and going to see a doctor about a problem that's been going on for months (and months and months). Lower back pain (I have scoliosis) and also pain/stiffness in my left hip. It doesn't feel like sciatica. I've had bursitis in this hip before and I just don't know if I should see a sports doc thinking that's all it is or if it's time to go to a spine/scoliosis clinic in town. One doctor at the spine clinic is a osteopathic doctor so maybe that's the way to go?? So not wanting to get on the "treadmill" of doctors and tests and more doctors but this is getting ridiculous. Started doing yoga in February, getting therapeutic massage, quit most of my running, started doing Horizontal Conditioning to strengthen my hips and core and things really aren't any better.

Just curious if anyone out there with experience or someone in the medical field has any suggestions. Thanks!

Jenny

 

[maddiesmum]

I would start with my PCP, I have never seen a chiropractor. You have underlying spine issues and so I would be loathe to skip this stage and head straight to a sports' medicine specialist. The PCP needs to hear all you have to say symptoms wise and the duration of these and make a judgement call on to whom to send you next.

Without a medical degree and without knowing for sure that this is exercise related alone, nobody on these forums is qualified to make a different decision or suggestion.

Clare

 

[Traildoggie]

Who's your primary care doc? GP, FP, Internist? Even an OB/GYN could make a recommendation, if that's who does your primary care. has anyone worked with you on the scoliosis diagnosis before?
I'd start with PCP. they can get your history up to date and refer you to a specialist if that's what's needed.

 

[tracymac]

Hi Jenny,
I had lower back pain for about 6 months, went to my primary care doctor and he recommended Physical Therapy which I didn't do. About 6 months later, I went to an Orthopedic doctor who specialized in non-surgical treatment of the spine. He took x-rays the first visit and noted DDD (degenerative disc disease) and Arthritis and then refered me to the same PT that the PCP did. So, I did the PT for 3-4 months with no improvements. Then he did an MRI so he could see the severity of the DDD and then did spinal epidural shots which helped me for about 24 hours. So, surgery seems to be my next option but I am not there yet. My recommendation is to go to an Orthopedic spine doctor. My next appointment will be with a Neurosurgeon when I'm ready for my surgery. I can still workout but I am an early morning exerciser and that is getting harder to do because it takes me so long to 'warm up'. Good Luck, back pain is not fun at all.

 

[str8shooter]

I would consult a chiropractor. One that includes doing x-rays as part of the initial exam. I am leary of any type of back operations as in my experience I have never heard anybody say they were glad they did it. I believe in non-invasive therapy first if at all possible. Massage and electrical muscle stimulation along with PT can be great therapies for some. I know it has helped my low back (sciatica) and shoulder injury.

 

[jcm]

Thanks for the input! After several phone calls last week I'm scheduled to see an ortho. doctor next week. I have a history with the practice (shoulder, hip, foot). Talked to my chiropractor and he recommended either seeing my regular doctor to start or going to this place since I've been there before. The pain seems to alternate between my hip and my back. Hope it doesn't take endless doctor visits to figure this out. That's what I fear.

Jen

 

[TexasLaura]

Jenny,
Don't go to a chiropracter! They love to "manipulate" the spine and often cause a lot of further damage!
You should definitely start with an Orthopedic doc (bones, sports medicine) who will do some tests and will probably be able to treat you. He/She may have to refer you to a Neurologist or Neurosurgeon if your problem invloves nerves (nerve compression, "slipped" or "herniated" disc) that the Ortho doc can't help you with.
Good Luck.

 

[RapidBreath]

Thanks for the input! After several phone calls last week I'm scheduled to see an ortho. doctor next week. I have a history with the practice (shoulder, hip, foot). Talked to my chiropractor and he recommended either seeing my regular doctor to start or going to this place since I've been there before. The pain seems to alternate between my hip and my back. Hope it doesn't take endless doctor visits to figure this out. That's what I fear.

Jen

There is another thing to consider (which those doctors may or may not mention.) if you have a salt imbalance or a mineral imbalance (either deficiency or inability to absorb) that can manifest as transient and terrible pain. Potassium deficiencies do cause spasms (as all runners will tell you.) Only a doctor running a good blood panel will be able to tell you if you are experiencing that. I hope that it is easily fixed soon. Hugs.

Alisha