HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Treatment For Severe Back, Hip And Leg Pain

default
Posted on Wed, 6 Jan 2016
Question: Good morning I have had moderate to severe back, hip and leg pain for a year, I get sever spasms every couple of months. I have been to a chiropractor , who says he can no longer help and suggests an under lying cause, also physio. I visited my doctor who says it is not skeletal but muscular, although I have not been offered an xray. I have been waiting 4 months for hospital physio appointment. My worry is I have irritable bowel which is much worse, I am unable to eat a full meal without pain and bloating. I feel I am being fobbed off as I have not been given a blood test or xray. I am 69 slim non smoker and was in good health. Thank you XXXXXXX XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
agree, blood tests and imaging should be done

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

I agree with you.

Though the symptoms may be in keeping with muscular issues, x rays should be done of the lower back and hips to rule out bony causes such as arthritis or minor trauma.

Blood tests for full blood count, ESR, serum protein electrophoresis, calcium.

The full blood count would look mainly at : (1)the WBC (looking for infectious cause etc)
(2)hemoglobin- low hemoglobin (anemia) can be seen in some types of bone disease though these are not common

The ESR is an inflammatory marker- it goes up with any inflammation in the body. It would go up with some types of arthritis such as lupus, rheumatoid. Would also go up in other types of bone disease such as myeloma

The serum protein electrophoresis is to rule out myeloma
The calcium is part of the profile when checking bone.

You may want to get a second opinion on your assessment

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Treatment For Severe Back, Hip And Leg Pain

Brief Answer: agree, blood tests and imaging should be done Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic I agree with you. Though the symptoms may be in keeping with muscular issues, x rays should be done of the lower back and hips to rule out bony causes such as arthritis or minor trauma. Blood tests for full blood count, ESR, serum protein electrophoresis, calcium. The full blood count would look mainly at : (1)the WBC (looking for infectious cause etc) (2)hemoglobin- low hemoglobin (anemia) can be seen in some types of bone disease though these are not common The ESR is an inflammatory marker- it goes up with any inflammation in the body. It would go up with some types of arthritis such as lupus, rheumatoid. Would also go up in other types of bone disease such as myeloma The serum protein electrophoresis is to rule out myeloma The calcium is part of the profile when checking bone. You may want to get a second opinion on your assessment I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions