Back, hip and knee pain

[FrogtownRoadCat]

In late October 2006, I suddenly, and from out of nowhere, began experiencing severe lower back pain and pain in both hips and knees. Two days later, I could hardly get out of bed and get dressed. My doc ordered an X ray of my lower back (showed nothing out of the ordinary), prescribed ibuprofin and a muscle relaxer and ordered an MRI of the lumbar region of my spine. The MRI revealed only some minor disc bulging. My doc then prescribed prednisone, which cleared up the pain. After the predinsone was phased out, the pain returned. My doc prescribed predinsone again, which again cleared up the pain. After this second round of prednisone was phased out, the pain began to return again. By then, I was also experiencing frequent urination (especially at night), a weak urine stream, and moderate pain in my groin.

I visited a different doctor, who suspected a prostate infection. Examination of my prostate in fact revealed an infection. I have now been on an antibiotic for one week (the first of two weeks) and I take celebrex to control pain. This new doctor suggested we get the infection cleared up, see how the pain is, and take things from there. Full blood work was ordered (all tests, including PSA, were within normal ranges), a chest x-ray was taken (results were normal), and an EKG was taken (results were also normal). The blood work, xray and EKG were taken at my request as my former doctor did not administer those tests as part of my regular physical exams. I visit this new doctor for my two week follow-up next week.

Even on the celebrex, pain (and inflammation) is present in my lower back, hips and knees. The pain is not severe, but it is present. I have now been dealing with this issue for over 2 months.

I am 34 years old, and I have no history of severe illness or injury. What is going on here? From out of nowhere, seemingly, this pain appeared and it won't seem to go away.

Thank you for your thoughts.

[Health Dr. 1]

The lumbar spine houses the nerves that enervate the prostate gland, lower back, the legs, and several other areas. Many of the symptoms that you are describing could potentially be a result of the bulging discs and inflammation, especially in the absence of any other abnormal test results and with the resolution of infection. Fortunately, most back pain is treatable, often without pharmaceuticals. The first step is to visit an experienced chiropractor, preferably one that has a DRX-9000 machine or has access to one. This is a machine that has been used very successfully in helping to mobilize the troubled disc segment without inducing further damage to the spine. Further, you can seek therapy from a practitioner that uses the McKenzie method to consolidate and treat back pain. Exercises such as Pilates can help to strengthen the core muscles to prevent further injury.

There are of course a number of supplements that may also be helpful. Premier Research Labs makes a formula called Quantum Prostate Complex that can be used specifically to support the health of the prostate. I would also recommend investigating Silver Fuzion and Oregano Oil in order to support the immune system post-infection. Zymitol enzyme blend and MSM can be used to support normal inflammation levels and NutraCool can be used topically for this same purpose. Once you have completed the course of antibiotics, it would also be a good idea to replace some of the beneficial bacteria in the colon by using Latero-flora or another probiotic blend. Antibiotics are notorious for destroying the delicate balance of bacteria in the intestines which can lead to further gastric and general health problems.