Expert: Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP - 3/8/2009

Question
I saw a hip specialist 1 month ago and xrays revealed that I have arthritis in my right hip and in 2-5 years , I will need a hip replacement. I am 56 yrs old and a mail carrier... so I do get alot of exercise. Since the doctor's visit, the pain has increased and feels like a pinchy feeling at the very top of my right thigh. My whole leg feels 'crampy' at times and left buttock hurts. Could this be a pinched nerve ? Taking 800mg of Motrin does not help that much. Thank you for your help.

Answer
Hello Kathy,

Sorry to hear of your hip pain.

And I am sorry it took so long to reply- bad computer problems have plagued me.

I hope this reply helps you.

"....Could this be a pinched nerve ? ....", this is possible, but you have a diagnosis that probably explains these pains you are having.

Taking 800mg Motrin may kill the pain, but be aware that NSAIDS will
ACCELERATE your arthritic degenerative process.  In my Staten Island Chiropractic office I give people informational handout sheets- this is one I give on pain and medication:




PAIN     

Pain  is a  ‘red light on the dashboard’.
 
Pain is your body telling you that something is wrong.

That RED LIGHT on the dashboard of your car-
-- do you ignore it until the car breaks down,
or do you get it checked and correct the problem?  

Pain,
pain in your body-
-- do you ignore it until your body breaks down, or do you get it checked and correct the problem?   

Pain,  
do you cover up the pain by taking a painkiller?  
Take a painkiller, mask the pain, and allow a problem to progress in your body?


        NOTICE  ON  PAIN  RELIEVERS:
 
Label changes ORDERED by FDA;  the FDA announced proposed label changes for OTC over-the-counter pain relievers to include the potential for stomach bleeding and liver damage (FDA news  206- 207;  12-9-06) ;

The  American Heart Association issued a scientific statement recommending medical doctors change the way they prescribe OTC pain relievers from a first choice to an alternate of recommending non-pharmacologic treatment (AHA statement  2-26-07).

NSAID Acceleration of ARTHRITIS; an important side effect of Aspirin and other NSAIDS is that it will inhibit cartilage repair and accelerate cartilage  destruction ( Journal of Rheumatology, 1982; 9: 3- 5 ). Many times people take NSAIDS for the pain of Arthritis, not realizing these drugs may make the underlying condition worse.  These medications cover up the pain, and cause the problem to worsen.


Pain  can  often  be  the  result  of  the  Vertebral  Subluxation  Complex.

Vertebral  Subluxation           (  ‘VSC’ ,    ‘subluxation’   )
Vertebral Subluxation  is  actually  a  quite  common  condition.

 Doctors of Chiropractic look for pathological conditions which may require referral to other specialties,   and also look for ‘Subluxation’.

Other disciplines look for pathology, but overlook the importance of alignment and movement in the spine which affects our nervous system  (the master control system- ALL health disciplines learn this).  VSC- ‘Subluxation’ – can be the cause of many symptoms and conditions.



Only  a  Doctor of Chiropractic  will  evaluate  and  treat  for  VSC,   as  well  as  other  pathology.



The course of VSC is highly variable.   Some patients with VSC literally cannot walk, yet other patients with similar test findings may be able to run marathons or lift heavy weights.    Some patients immediately develop symptoms related to the VSC,  some patients take years to develop symptoms.  Some people suffer for only a few days with pain and symptoms, some people suffer for months.  Some people recover in days, some take months or years, depending upon severity of the condition.

A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.


The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position.  When subluxated, joints are in a stressed, vulnerable, compromised condition.  Subluxation may cause Arthritis, Disk Herniation, or aggravate such conditions.

       Vertebral  Subluxation   cannot   be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching,  yoga,  vitamins  or  physical  therapy  alone.       Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular-    mechanical-    problem  requires  a    mechanical correction-  -  -    a manipulation,         best  performed  with  the  chiropractic  adjustment.

Dr. Victor E. Dolan,   Doctor of Chiropractic;   Diplomat, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST  Chief of Chiropractic  in  a  Hospital  in  New York State (DHSI);  As  Seen  in  PREVENTION  Magazine
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


Many people do not realize that the anti-inflammatory pill, the pain medication they are taking has been shown to actually make the problem WORSE while covering up the pain!
"......NSAID Acceleration of ARTHRITIS; an important side effect of Aspirin and other NSAIDS is that it will inhibit cartilage repair and accelerate cartilage  destruction ( Journal of Rheumatology, 1982; 9: 3- 5 ). Many times people take NSAIDS for the pain of Arthritis, not realizing these drugs may make the underlying condition worse.  These medications cover up the pain, and cause the problem to worsen..."
--- from a MEDICAL Journal !


I am going on the assumption that the aches/ pains/ symptoms you are experiencing are actually coming from your previously diagnosed hip problem.  It is possible that you have a concurrent pinched nerve, but the best way to ascertain the cause would be to see a local Doctor of Chiropractic.

If your problem is a 'pinched nerve', then the Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) is the right place to be.

Even if it is still your arthritic hip, the doctor may be able to do some chiropractic treatment that will help with your symptoms.

I highly recommend certain nutritional substances for helping with osteoarthritic degeneration:
Glucosamine sulfate, Chondroitin sulfate, MSM, Omega 3 Essential fatty acids, proteolytic enzyn=mes when acute, calcium and magnesium: all of these things will help all of your joints and even help ameliorate the pain.

On your hip replacement:

""""Special Risks of Hip Resurfacing

There is some risk of the femoral neck breaking. This risk can be nearly eliminated by proper patient selection, correct angle of implantation of the device and avoiding notching the neck when preparing the femoral head in surgery.

Lack of long-term track record. Current device has only been used for about 10 years.

Despite known low wear rate, longevity and longterm effects of wear debris are unknown.

For some surgeons, the procedure has a longer surgical time. The procedure requires somewhat more skill of surgeon. Because of this, a learning curve" has been documented where it is common for a surgeon to have more complications in his first series of patients.


Special Requirements of Resurfacing Patients

Solid bone in femoral head to hold resurfacing component. A few cysts or slight AVN collapse may be acceptable.

Healthy kidneys to process any bloodborne metal ions from debris products. """"""""""  http://www.activejoints.com/resurfacing.html  

If / when you go for your hip joint replacement, there are different ways to do it.  I have seen some articles on this hip surface replacement--- some pro, some con.  For women (more then men) this new hip re-surfacing seems to occasionally run into problems.  If / when the time comes,,,, do your research!

So, to summarize:
Could your complaints be a 'pinched nerve' on top of the hip complaint?- possible, but most probably all related to the Hip joint osteoarthritic degeneration.

What would I recommend ? - to be certain- I would recommend a visit to the local Doctor of Chiropractic for an examination to differentiate an irritated nerve from the hip problem.  One or two visits, an examination should tell you quickly.

I would take the nutritional supplements above for joint and bone health.

If/when I did the hip replacement,,, I would evaluate the procedure, surgeon and hospital that I was going to, I would research the hip resurfacing hard before doing that type of procedure.

I hope this all helps.  If you have further questions, do not hesitate to re-contact me here at ALLexperts.com  @  
http://allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC-DACBSP.htm


Thank you for your question.  I wish you good luck and Good Health Naturally,

Dr. Victor Dolan, DC DACBSP
http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com     (Email newsletter)