Expert: Scott F. Gillman, DC, DACBSP - 7/18/2009

Question
I had a 2nd microdiscectomy (L4/L5) on May 11, 2009.  The surgeries are 7 years apart. Approximately 2 months post-surgery (2nd surgery), I started to have upper hip pain on the left side. I am unable to stand up or walk straight.  I was advised by the surgeon to attend physical therapy to correct this problem.  The physical therapist recommends stretching once a day to correct this problem. Would a chiropractor provide better results for a rotated pelvic? Is there anything I can do on my own to correct this problem?

Answer
David,

While I don't have all your health information and am lacking some data, it sounds to me like you still have referred pain from the surgical zone or from a disc or nerve higher up.  Regardless, I would be carefull with stretching.   In fact, if you do have any nerve compression, irritation, or adhesion (fibrous adhesion as a result of inflammation or surgical site damage) then stretching will not do much for you except further irritate the nerve.   This is a big error in thinking that is pervasive in physical therapy (e.g. just stretch it if it's tight).   Also, if you have a loss of normal rotation (figure-8 movement) of the pelvis, a chiropractor is your best bet.  Doctors of chiropractic (DC) have the most training and skills in performing high velocity manipulation to the pelvis.  The only caveat for you is that the standard maneuvers for pelvic joint manipulation may not be tolerated by you since you are post-surgical.  It's a matter of carefully trying it.   I would also highly recommend finding a DC that is trained in Active Release Technique (ART) and/or Graston Technique, as well as finding someone that has a distraction table.   You can see this stuff on my web site under products/services.   You really should get your condition examined and diagnosed, and a well-trained DC is your best bet.  From there, you can be instructed properly about home care or self care.  But diagnosing your condition must come first.  

'Hope this was helpful.

Dr. G  (see: www.drgillman.com)