QuestionHi Victor~
I'm a 24 year old marathon runner. I was recently diagnosed with psoas
tendinitis. I'm somewhat convinced this is the issue, but not 100%. I have pain
in my right pelvis (front-to-back) that sometimes is in my left abdomen
under my rib, and sometimes even travels to my shoulder. I initially thought
that the pain was related to an ovarian cyst, but a pelvic ultrasound came
back fine. When the pain is really bad, it seems like the pressure of needing
to have a bowel movement makes the pain more intense. It used to come and
go, but now seems to have reached a chronic stage. My orthopedic surgeon
told me to "take it easy " for 5 days and take a pain reliever regimen (twice a
day) but as soon as I went back to working out the pain flared back up. I'm
wondering if you have any suggestions as to what else this pain could be, or
stretches/strength moves I could be doing. I'm going to see a sports
medicine ortho on Tuesday to see if he has more insight/assistance. I'm
supposed to start training for Chicago on June 8th, and am nervous at this
point that I won't be able to.
Thanks,
J
Answerstaten island back pain, staten island psoas pain, performance improvement
Hello Jennifer,
I am sorry to hear of your complaints.
I am surprised your doctor did not initiate treatment to clear the psoas involvement.
".....I was recently diagnosed with psoas tendinitis......", Psoas (IlioPsoas muscle) involvement has long been documented in back/ hip/ abdominal pain. Most Doctors of Chiropractic will work quite efficiently upon this condition. I am surprised your chiropractic doctor did not do the stretches and adjustments that usually clear this up fairly quickly.
".....pelvic ultrasound came back fine......", I am happy when a patient comes to my office with prior Xray, CT, EMG, MRI, ultrasound tests. I can review those tests, see if any repeat is necessary, add it to my case history consult, physical examination and arrive at a more complete diagnosis. It is good that you are ruling out more complicated and visceral pathologies.
".....It used to come and go, but now seems to have reached a chronic stage.....", well,,,,, if you do not correctly treat the correct cause of a problem,,,, the problem becomes chronic, becomes more intense, becomes worse. I would recommend a different Doctor of Chiropractic since your current has not treated/ cleared this complaint.
".....My orthopedic surgeon told me to "take it easy " for 5 days and take a pain reliever regimen (twice a day) but as soon as I went back to working out the pain flared back up....", this is not unusual. Again, if you do not get to the CAUSE of the symptom, if you rely upon symptomatic (ie medication) relief, the underlying cause remains, or even grows worse.
My Staten Island Back Pain patients, often caused or concurrent with psoas pain, psoas involvement get the following informational handout about covering up the pain:
PAIN
Pain is a 憆ed 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 ( 慥SC?, 憇ubluxation? )
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 慡ubluxation?
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- 慡ubluxation??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
As you can see, Pain Medications have their problems- recognized by the FDA, the AHA, and the Journal of Rheumatology. Pain meds, besides the above problems- - - cover up pain, and allow a cause to continue. Pain meds are a SYMPTOMATIC relief.
You state; "I'm supposed to start training for Chicago ....", "I'm a 24 year old marathon runner.....", You are probably aware, but if you are not- here is some interesting information on PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT:
Athletic Performance Improvement, Accelerated Recovery
Chiropractic is well known to improve athletic performance, prevent sport injury, and accelerate recovery from injury or hard training. With Doctors of Chiropractic serving on almost every nation抯 Olympic Team, with Chiropractic holding official status with the USOC and serving almost every US Olympic Athlete: the results of chiropractic cannot be denied. Coaches and athletes are aware of terms such as
enhanced performance, performance improvement,
accelerated recovery, restoration and regeneration.
Many coaching conferences discuss strategies on these aspects of exercise, competition, sports and athleticism.
An interesting study was performed and published way back in 1991. The January 1991 issue of the Journal of Chiropractic Research and Clinical Investigation published findings that demonstrate significant increases in athletic performance after a twelve week program of Chiropractic treatment.
Athletic Ability Research:
Male and female athletes between the ages of 18 and 42, representing a variety of sports backgrounds, were recruited to participate in this study. None had ever before been under chiropractic care. Each of these participants underwent eleven separate tests, each test designed to measure a specific aspect of athletic performance. Then, half the participants were evaluated through chiropractic analysis and placed on a twelve week program of chiropractic treatment ( consistent regimen of chiropractic, similar to a consistent regimen of physical athletic training/ exercise ). ( measured aspects: side step test, dodging run, right boomerang run, modified bass tests of dynamic balance, vertical power jump, standing broad jump, distance perception jump, horizontal linear space test, nelson hand reaction test, nelson speed of movement test, nelson choice of response-movement test )
All subjects continued to train and practice as usual in their sports. At the half-way point of six weeks, they were all reevaluated and changes in scores for each group were compared. All increases in performances by each group were measured by the average percent of change in all eleven tests combined.
The control group, those not receiving chiropractic care, showed slight improvement in eight of eleven tests ( this group had been training 慳s usual?for the time period ). By combining the average percentages of change on each test it was found that the control group showed an overall improvement of 4.5%.
Those receiving chiropractic treatment (along with their 憉sual training?, the test group, had dramatically different results. They showed improvement on all eleven tests for a total 10.7% average increase after six weeks. And when retested again after the second six week period of care this test group demonstrated a remarkable 16.7% average increase in athletic ability.
( consider that one/ onehundredth of a second ( 1/100th ) is the difference between win ?lose,,, 16.7% is HUGE )
What Do Chiropractors Do?
Chiropractors analyze the structure of the body, looking for misalignments, primarily in the spine, and also the extremities. Spinal misalignments, termed vertebral subluxations, irritate the nerves which in turn inhibits the body抯 ability to function optimally. Like a high performance automobile, the human structure must be balanced and in alignment to be at it抯 best. A Ferrari with pistons that don抰 fire in sequence, wheels that are out of balance or alignment, and high performance specifications that are improperly set will not only have it抯 performance compromised but will also have dramatically increased potential for parts to wear out and breakdown. The human body, far more delicate and complicated than even the most advanced automobile is similar. If the framework, particularly the spine, isn抰 properly aligned and balanced- the body cannot perform to it抯 potential and is more susceptible to illness and injury, with slower recovery when injury does occur.
What Do Vertebral Subluxations Do?
Vertebral subluxations cause nerve conduction interference. This inhibits millions of messages from the brain from flowing smoothly along the nerves and in this in turn interferes with the coordination of the actions of the body. The only health care provider trained to diagnose and correct vertebral subluxations is the Doctor of Chiropractic. Like a properly tuned Ferrari, the chiropractic patient athlete, when properly aligned, functions at a level of peak performance.
Famous Athletes Utilize Chiropractics.
Many athletes have discovered the relationship between proper spinal alignment and their own level of achievement. San Francisco Forty-Niner Greats Joe Montana and Roger Craig as well as heavy weight champion Evander Holyfield are examples of professional and world-class athletes who realize(d) the value of proper structural alignment and balance in their bodies. They have learned through their own experiences what research has shown; that through chiropractic care - one can demonstrate faster reaction time, better balance, improved coordination, increased muscular power; and when injured- accelerated recovery and regeneration.
The Competitive Edge.
Emphasis on athletic excellence continues to escalate in this country in terms of both dollars and extremes in personal sacrifice. Though the dangers of taking anabolic steroids have been widely publicized for years, the number of athletes who suffer serious health problems caused steroids continues to grow. Now, however, the athlete looking for the competitive edge need not look beyond the framework of his(her) own body. Increased public awareness is leading many to realize that a natural method is available in achieving performance enhancement. The method is Chiropractic!
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
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Just as Medical Doctors have different specialties, so do Chiropractic Doctors. I think your DC should have been more successful with your condition. Ask your Marathon colleagues for a referral to a Sports Chiropractor ( different Chiropractic Specialties see: http://www.acatoday.org/pdf/ApprovedChiropracticSpecialtyPrograms.pdf ) and I would recommend a DACBSP- a Diplomat in sports injury.
Since you are competitive, since you are a marathoner, just for general interest, another information handout I give my Staten Island Athletes:
P.R.I.C.E. =
P protection. R rest. I ice. C compression. E elevation.
Hurt yourself ?? injury/ trauma/ bruise/ not even sure - - a broken bone ??
You should certainly get to the Doctor or trained health professional to be examined if you think it is bad enough.
BUT in the meantime, some simple steps may help.
PRICE.
The PRICE protocol will usually help just about any musculoskeletal injury.
P = Protection; protect the area from further injury- stop what you are doing, can you pad or bandage the area ? Tape the area? Do something to protect the area !
R = Rest; rest the area as much as possible, if a part is damaged, give the body time to repair the area
I = Ice; ice is a potent anti-inflammatory; it will slow swelling, help with pain control (ice is analgesic), place ice over cloth over the injured area for 5, 10 minutes, off the injured area for 30 minutes; then back on again
C = Compression; to help prevent swelling compression may be helpful- for example if it is an ankle, wrap the ankle with an ace bandage and ice the area. Many body parts may not be applicable to compression.
E = Elevation; again to fight swelling and pain, raising the injured body part above the heart may be helpful- ie raise an ankle or knee, you lay down, raise the injured part
PRICE may help : Sprains, Strains, musculo-skeletal injury, bruise, contusion
Sometimes a slip, trip, fall, heavy lift, athletic injury, or a motor vehicle accident can cause a bump or bruise, sprain or strain. Sometimes also involved with the injury is a vertebral subluxation (or other joint subluxation) (subluxation is a mechanical problem- of any joint- and requires a mechanical correction). In the spine, a sprain/strain is a misalignment, a 慿ink?in the joint, a stretch of the muscles, tendons and/ or ligaments:- more properly termed a Vertebral Subluxation. Sometimes symptoms can come immediately, sometimes days, weeks or even months later!- Well after the actual trauma !!!
Spinal = Vertebral Subluxation Complex (a.k.a. 憇ubluxation? ; ( subluxation COULD be any joint )
The vertebral subluxation complex is the underlying cause of many healthcare problems.
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.
This is a serious condition identified by its five parts:
Spinal Kinesiopathology:
This is fancy way of saying the bones of the spine have lost their normal motion and position. It restricts your ability to turn and bend. It sets in motion the other four components.
Neuropathophysiology:
Improper spinal function can choke, stretch, or irritate delicate nerve tissue. The resulting nerve system dysfunction can cause symptoms elsewhere in the body.
Myopathology:
Muscles supporting the spine can weaken, atrophy, or become tight and go into spasm. The resulting scar tissue changes muscle tone, requiring repeated spinal adjustments.
Histopathology:
A rise in temperature from an increase in blood and lymph supplies result in swelling and inflammation. Discs can bulge, herniate, tear, or degenerate. Other soft tissues may suffer permanent damage.
Pathophysiology:
Bone spurs and other abnormal bony growths attempt to fuse malfunctioning spinal joints. This spinal decay, scar tissue, and long-term nerve dysfunction can cause other systems of the body to malfunction.
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position.
Automobile accidents, improper lifting, improper posture, alcohol, emotional stress, chemical imbalances, and long periods of sitting can cause the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
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. For good health- Treat the Cause, not just the Symptoms. Sprain/ strain/ bump/ bruise?= may result in subluxation of the nearby joint. CORRECT the subluxation !!!!
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
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I hope the above information helps you.
I recommend a hands-on, in-person ealuation by your local Doctor of Chiropractic with a DACBSP- sports injury specialty. Your current DC should have treated / cleared this psoas involvement.
THANK YOU for the question! and if further information is needed,,,
please do not hesitate to REcontact me here at AllExperts.com : -
http://allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC-DACBSP.htm
Wishing you Good Health, Naturally!
Dr. Victor Dolan, DC
http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com (Email NewsLetter)
