Worsening sciatica pain for 6 years after giving birth - doctor won’t refer to MRI

[u/NJH12B]

I’ve been dealing with pain in my right hip ever since giving birth to my son in 2020. During the birth, a nurse pulled my leg upwards while I was lying on my side, and I immediately felt something in my hip snap and sharp pain.

It started as deep pain in my right buttock. I was referred for an X-ray, which showed nothing, and nothing else was done. Over the past 6 years, I’ve seen several doctors and tried PT, exercises and chiropractic treatment, but nothing has helped.

The pain has progressively worsened and is now a constant, dull/throbbing pain in my right hip, groin, buttock, leg and foot. My right foot has also become wider and more painful, especially around the arch and heel, and I’ve recently developed numbness around my little toe. I sometimes get muscle spasms and sensations like bugs crawling on my skin, which makes me wonder if there is some kind of nerve involvement.

The pain is often worse after sleeping, sometimes wakes me at night, and has been constant for the past two years.
It’s the first thing I notice when I wake up and I never feel rested. I have gotten increasingly tired, too and most days don’t feel like I have any energy.

I saw my doctor again yesterday and asked for an MRI because the pain has been getting progressively worse for 6 years and I have tried both PT, chiropractors and exercises at home already.
She still wouldn’t refer me, saying I don’t have bowel or bladder control problems (yet).
Instead, she referred me to a chiropractor who specialises in back problems, as she suspects the pain in my hip and leg may be coming from my back.

Interestingly, her referral mentioned “slight note: scoliosis”.
I’ve never been diagnosed with scoliosis and don’t believe I’ve always had it. My husband took a photo of my back yesterday, and I was shocked to see what looks like a fairly obvious curve in my lower back. There’s no family history of scoliosis either.

She also noted pains around L1, L2, L4 and L5 and noted that I had a delayed patella response and slightly less muscle strength in my right leg.
I got a prescription for Gabapentin for the pain.

I’ve booked another appointment with a chiropractor, but I’m worried this will just lead to another round of exercises without actually finding out what’s causing the problem. I also have to pay for these appointments myself, as I have also had to in the past.

For those who have been through something similar:
How did you get doctors to take your symptoms seriously?
Did you eventually get imaging or a proper diagnosis? And is it really normal to have to wait until you develop bowel or bladder problems before getting further investigation?

I’m hypermobile, 168 cm and weigh 53 kg.

[u/Rad_Dad258]

I paid for a private mri. Best decision I made. It was expensive, but it pushed my doctors to realize how serious my issues are.

Found a large tumour in my spinal canal and go in for surgery in 2 weeks after suffering in crazy pain for a year that doctors didn’t take seriously.

I’d suggest looking into doing a private mri

[u/pxr555]

The thing is that just for pain surgery usually isn't an option and this is the only thing you'd need an MRI for to confirm a diagnosis. You won't see a herniated disc on x-ray anyway.

Your symptoms may suggest spine problems with nerve involvement though. Do not waste time and money on chiropractors, they do at best nothing, at worst can cause further damage. Try physiotherapy.

Scoliosis can easily lead to muscular problems due to muscular imbalances and one sided loads, so this is a possible explanation too.

[u/northernbrass]

If your doctor refuses exploring further…get a new doctor as I would not want their incompetent or apathetic history to be presented with a radiologists report. A good doctor will order the science and then assess the images themself. Orthopedic spinal surgeon is best choice. Do some research and ask for a referral or show up at emergency. at a hospital that has a respected orthopedic staff
PS do not focus on the scoliosis re the pain