AboutDr. Brendon J. O`Brien, D.C. Expertise I will be glad to answer any questions pertaining to Acupuncture, Chinese Herbology, the relationship between Acupuncture and Chiropractic, and how these therapies may help you.
Experience Dr. O'Brien's formal training from Northwestern College of Chiropractic includes many diversified techniques of Chiropractic, Physical Therapy, Soft Tissue Treatment, Nutrition, Acupuncture, and the integration of Chinese and Western medicine.
Education/Credentials D.C., Certified Acupuncturist in Minnesota
Question I was diagnosed (had xrays no MRI) by my sports physician with sciatica -- but the my pain is mainly in the buttocks and my left hip seems weaker especially when I try to step up into my vehicle. In reading, I feel it seems more like the symptoms mentioned for piriformis. Had physical theraphy which included ultrasound, stretching, heat theraphy but I felt that my condition worsened. My next thought was acupuncture -- would this be worth pursuing to relieve my pain symptoms? I have found sitting for a long time (car rides, etc.) makes the area very stiff and I do feel a knotted pain in my lower back that my husband can manipulate with massage. I am very athletic and quite dismayed by the limitations I am experiencing.
Answer Hello Karen,
With the weakness in the leg, you may want to have a MRI of the lumbar spine and hip first. This is a excellant way to see exactly what is going on in the area and may alter the treatment you will recieve. Acupuncture does work great for pain and you may get some relief. Depending on the severity of your pain you may want to try 5-6 treatments of acupuncture to see how much relief you are getting.
