You are here:
Chiropractors/Pinched nerve
Advertisement
Question
I was wondering how true the following could be and if the answer I was given is an option to relieve pain. I am a farmer and very active in hunting, an ex athlete and been very active my whole life. I have developed an excruciating pain in my left leg about 5 inches above the heel and below the calf. I notice after a long day in the field and after being on my feet all day hunting(depending on what boots I am wearing that day) I activate this pinched nerve. My Dr. took an MRI and says I have an extra muscle that when over exercised swells-lactic acid builds up and pinches the nerve. It has occurred 3 times and I want it eliminated, he says I can live with it or he'll refer me to a specialist and then see about removing the muscle. I am Caucasian and 37 years old. I have had 2 ACL replacements and looking at a third soon. I have developed minor back problems and could this be related to a disc or something? I apologize if this is too long
Dear Stephen,
Although the explanation given is possible, it is unlikely. I have never seen or heard of anything like this in school, private practice or in continuing sports education. If you have an extra muscle and you have been an athlete your whole life, then why is this just now manifesting as a problem. You surely would have have had lactic acid build-up earlier when competitive, not to mention that lactic acid would build up in all the leg muscles, not just one.
Yes, this could be related to a disk/nerve problem in the low back, but normally there is a more pronounced association with low back and thigh pain, or pain that radiates down through the buttock to the lower leg. On a separate note, there is another diagnosis called compartment syndrome which could be a possibility. This can be a serious problem as well and may require surgical decompression of the leg compartment.
This is what I recommend you do...go get another opinion from a sports medicine trained doctor...probably a physiatrist, or orthopedist. Have them examine the leg and give their opinion. Additionally have another radiologist (not affiliated with where you had your MRI performed) read the MRI and give their impression. The fact remains that your doctor could be absolutely right, but the probability is low, so get the second opinion first. If that is the correct diagnosis congratulate him/and the radiologist on finding it.
Respectfully,
Dr.J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net
Related Articles
- Pinched Nerve - What is a Pinched Nerve?
- Causes of Lower Back Pain - Lower Back Pain Causes
- Magnetic Resonance Neurography - What Is MRN - Magnetic Resonance Neurography for Nerve Pain and Nerve Problems
- Sciatica and Sciatic Nerve Pain - All About Sciatica and Sciatic Nerve Pain
- Sciatic Nerve and Sciatic Nerve Pain- Sciatic Nerve Pain and Sciatica
Answers by Expert:
- Scott F. Gillman, DC, DACBSP
- Dr. Paul Newhart
- Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP
- Dr. Brendon J. O`Brien, D.C.
- Gerald Anzalone, D.C.
- David Kulla, DC
- Robert A. Arnone, DC
- Keith E. Biggs, DC
- John Quackenbush DC
- Dr. Timothy K. Durnin
- Dr. Man Tran, Ph.D., D.C., L.Ac.
- Timothy A. Peck, DC
- J.R. Strecker, B.S., D.C.
- Dr. Nekessa Remy
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
Expertise
I can answer questions on general chiropractic care, sports injury, whiplash and auto crash, mild traumatic brain injury, structural and functional rehabilitation of the spine, nutrition for inflammation and repair, fitness training, nutrition for sports performance and other general health and nutrition related inquiries. I currently lecture on automobile trauma, occupant kinematics, and forensic risk analysis to local EMS, Fire and Police, as well as nutrition and sports injury to community groups. Rest assured all answers are generated from my clinical experience, and scientific research.
Experience
I have accumulated over 1100 hours of post-doctoral training to include; Certifications in Spinal Trauma and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury from the Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma from the International Chiropractic Association, Certification in Low Speed Auto Crash Reconstruction and Certification in Forensic Risk Analysis from The Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Certified Proficiency in spinal and extremity diagnostic procedures from The Motion Palpation Institute, Certified in Sports Injury and Rehabilitation from the National University of Health Sciences and The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, Nationally Certified Fellow of Structural Rehabilitation from The Chiropractic Biophysics Organization, and I have advanced training in manipulation under anesthesia and nutrition. Feel free to check out my website for course listings: www.suncoasthealthcare.net
Organizations
International Chiropractic Association, Florida Chiropractic Association, American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, American Academy of Pain Management, Chiropractic Biophysics, Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Motion Palpation Organization, American Academy of Manual and Physical Medicine, Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce
Education/Credentials
B.A. (Psychology)The University of Cincinnati
B.S. (Human Biology)Cleveland Chiropractic College
D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic) Cleveland Chiropractic College
C.C.S.T. (Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma)The International Chiropractic Association
C.C.S.P. (Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician)The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians.
*CCST and CCSP 120 hour certification courses are not recognized by the Florida Chiropractic Board due to the fact that they are not 300 hour diplomate level courses*
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.