Expert: Dr. Kristina Conner - 6/6/2007

Question
I've suffered from what feels like a pinched nerve in my left leg for over 4 yrs. It's now gotten to the point where I can't sit for long periods of time and rubbing it is very painful.  I've had chiropractic massage therapy before and it didn't help much.  I can't afford to have an MRI done to see where the root of the problem is but was wondering if there are any herbs or vitamins I could be taking to ease the pain or possibly heal this on my own.  I've also just started taking Noni Juice tablets for neck pain/migraines.  Do you have any knowledge about Noni and/or if it will help my leg as well?  

Any advice you can offer will be much appreciated, thank you.

Answer
Becca,
Finding out exactly what is going on would be best for finding the correct treatment.  If your chiropractic only did massage for treatment, it might be worthwhile to seek out another chiropractor who will focus more on finding the cause.  Focusing more on function rather than just the symptoms.  This may not necessarily include an MRI.  
If there is nerve irritation, correcting that would be the first step.  Herbs/ supplements can help reduce the irritation, which might be enough to allow the body to heal.  Supplements like fish or flax oil, vitamin E, bromelain, tumeric, and ginger, are all good antiinflammatories.  Herbs like white willow bark may help reduce pain as well.  In addition, a diet low in inflammatory foods like sugar, conventional meats and dairy, wheat, processed and fried foods, trans fats, and alcohol is important.  Fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains usually do not increase inflammation.  There may be special properties to Noni juice to help reduce inflammation, but I haven't seem much evidence to confirm that.  There are herbs and supplements such as the ones I mentioned which are more likely to help; and none of these will work very well unless the diet is addressed also.  
Another option would be homeopathic remedies, which are chosen for your specific symptoms.  Going to see a homeopathic practitioner will yield the best results, but you can try to find the right remedy on your own, using a website like www.abchomeopathy.com.  Homeopathics stimulate the body's natural healing ability, and are very safe to use.  
Good luck in your search
Dr Conner