back pain

I have been having low back pain for about 3 years. I've been to a doctor and chiropractor. Doc says its just musculer. I have been noticing lately that only when I walk my upper thighs feel like I have a pulled muscle or somthing (mostly the left one) I also have the back pain radiate into my buttocks and legs sometimes. What could this be? I also was diagnosed with a fissure that I've been treating for and am going for a sigmoidoscopy to rule out colitis. Could this pain be related to colitis? I am only 26 years old and really hope I dont have to deal with this forever. Any help would be greatly appreciated thanks. I guess I just worry about colon cancer. Please help

[CCF Neuro[P]-M.D.-RPS]

Dear Buggs:

Sorry that your having back pain.  We usually think of radiating pain to be from a nerve problem.  Did you have an MRI of your back?  Pain that does not radiate is usually not from the dorsal roots or sensory nerves.  Referred pain from colitis can give you a feeling of radiating pain, especially in your buttocks.  It is difficult to tell you without having examined you and see you tell and show me where the pain is radiating from.  Just judging from your age I would pursue the colitis problem first and then begin to address the possible back problem.  However, a simple MRI of the spine might give you a quick and easy answer.

It is difficult to tell about colon cancer.  The sigmoidoscopy will give you good information concernig CA.  

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD