Hi. I can't believe how similar our conditions sound! The only difference is that the first chiropractor I went to, was the most perfect one for me. However, I am still in pain, it's been about 6 weeks since I started going, and I have been going almost daily. Now down to three times a week. There are a few things I have learned along the way that have helped enormously! Perhaps they will help you too. Drink 8-10 glasses of water a day. It's important to keep your disks hydrated! The days when I fail to drink enough water are by far the most painful. A good Omega 3 is important for many reasons, but most of them can be rancid before you even buy them. Check out Innate Choice - Omega Sufficiency. I prefer the liquid. Not only did I see a noticeable difference in my pain level within a week, but my nails are growing better than ever, my skin looks better and I have been able to give up my ADD medication completely! Turmeric and Cayanne pepper, both can be purchased in health food stores are great for aiding the healing process where there is nerve damage and pain. ( the omega 3 also makes these more effective) There are foods that have anti-inflammatory properties. Some of these are olive oil, salmon, red grapes, walnuts and almonds. Do you see the makings of a great salad here? You can cook the salmon in olive oil and worchestshire sauce, slide it all on a salad of spinach or romain lettuce and add the other ingredients...it's awesome even for someone like me who hates fishy fish. Cherries are also helpful in combating pain. I won't pretend I never have to take a pain pill. There are times when I just have to! The pain is crippling at times. But it is getting better. When I told my chiropractor everything I am doing, I asked him what else can I do to speed this up? He said, give it time. Because there are good days now, and good moments, he believes the nerve damage is not permanent, but will take time. You may see a difference in your actual back pain before you see a major difference in your nerve pain, but I believe if you try some or all of these things, you will help yourself heal faster than you otherwise would have. Also, do a search for yourself about foods and spices that heal nerve damage, and help back pain...(anti-inflammatory properties!!) but also look for foods that can cause inflammation. You can do more for your own healing than you would ever imagine, but a good chiropractor is important..while you "heal yourself" the chiropractor will be removing the interferences to your healing. If I were you, I would print this and share it with your Chiropractor and get his opinions, I bet he will agree. By the way although you don't specifically mention nerve damage, you can be sure...with 5 pinched nerves, the pain in your leg is from at least one of them and you pinch anything that long, and there is damage..doesn't mean it's permanent..but don't discount the idea that even though he's correcting your back issues..you need time to heal the nerves!!
I wish you the best, and a speedy recovery!
Shelly
Have you had an MRI yet? Get to a real doctor ASAP and ask for one. You sound a lot like some one with nerve impingment.
Yes discs heal if they are not overly damaged, but the nerves can be damaged so badly that they do not heal.
The MRI should give your doctor a better idea of what is going on.
My Chiro only did xrays and I suffered all last year only to find out that I have an anual tear & disc herniation on L4 impinging a nerve and broad based bilateral protusion on L5/S1 pressing on my thecal sac.
I have sciatica daily down both legs to the feet and numbness to go along with the pins and needles. I have Low Back Pain constantly as well and sometimes I feel like I have ice water running from my butt to my feet.
I have had MT, CT, ESI's and DRX aand currently doing PT while waiting to see the NS.
I walk with a limp and at times I get a terrible pain running into my inner upper thigh (girly area). My legs get exhausted from very little effort and feel as if I have walked miles while sitting down.
Let me be an example- don't wait. See a real doctor and get the MRI.
Good luck,
Julie