Question
Hi Dr. Man Tran,

My name is Lisa and I am ironically a pharmaceutical representative for Pain Management.   I am writing to you as I have had chronic pain for the past 6 months.  I fell in my kitchen about a year and a half ago and the initial X-rays said I was fine.  Well.... As a result 6 months ago I started to feel a constant burning and tingling pain down my right leg.  I have had three MRIs and 2 X-rays, all of which have indicated spinal/disc related problems.  As mentioned, I am a pharma rep and being in Pain Management offices, 6 different physicians have tried treating me with various blocks.  Based on these blocks the pain is NOT specifically stemming from the L4, L5, S1, or the Facet joints.  Unfortantely I have tried four blocks to confirm this.  In addition I have seen a physcial therapist and a chiropractor.  I have even worked with a physcian who administered acupuncture and cupping!!!  UGH!! Nothing is working and my MRI reads as if I have no problems.  I am 32 years old and would kill to feel better again.....  As I am typing this I have tears in my eyes as a result of the frustration I have felt.  Should you be able to help me i would greatly apprecitate it and be happy to help you in your efforts to promote your expertise!!
Lisa

Answer
Hi Lisa,

I would be more than happy to try to help you here just as so to see one less person suffering from pain.

From all the tests and medications administered, you have practically ruled out spinal issues.  Now when you fell, did you fall onto your buttock specifically on your right side?  The burning and tingling sensation points to nerve involvement.  How far down your leg the pain travels can indicate different nerve involved.  If you fell directly onto your buttock, then I would assume unless we can do some test to confirm it, that your sciatic nerve may be the cause of the pain.  You may have injured the piriformis muscle with the fall.  Treating the back may be missing the target of therapy.

Revisit a chiropractic office or an acupuncturist office and bring up the issue of the buttock origin of pain.  If you do seek acupuncture,  I highly recommend an acupuncturist who has more extent training and knowledge of the art with all due respect to the physician who has treated you with acupuncture...unless he/she also is licensed in acupuncture.  With an acupuncturist, you may find the herbs he/she prescribe be of beneficial to your condition.  

Go and have a consultation.  A combination of chiropractic and acupuncture may be the best route depending on the result of their examination.

Good luck and best wishes to you Lisa.