Expert: Dr. Paul Newhart - 5/14/2008

Question
Hi Dr Paul.
I am 26 yrs old and my MRI report shows minor diffuse disc buldge at L4-L5. That happened while i was lifting 100lbs bricks from the ground. 2 months after the MRI I went to play cricket and the injury became worse. The pain in my right buttock is acute and as day pass by it makes it way down the leg. Started with low back, to hip, to back of the leg, to calf, to ankle, to top of the foot and now in big toe. Its been 4 months since i have been going to chiropractor that uses an activator. He says my hips are not aligned. My problem is that I cannot start walking immediately after getting up from a chair or from the bed. Sitting on Hard chair seems ok but anything with soft padding bothers when i get up. Its hurts a lot. I dont know what is wrong? hips? muscles? leg?, low back...i mean which area needs work so i feel better. What should I do?

Answer
Two approaches that might help:  Do a search for Psoas/Iliopsoas syndrome, and the stretches for it. This may make a huge difference in how you feel.  Second, try to find a practitioner of the McKenzie method.  They would be your best bet to alleviate your pain non surgically.