JOHN DOHERTY:
A Q&A LETTER
FIRST YOU SHOULD KNOW;
John Doherty Is A Physical Therapist & Athletic Trainer.
He Is A Member Of St. Johns Prep Athletic Hall Of Fame In Danvers, Mass., Where He Went To High School & Was A 3-Sport Student Trainer & Manager For 4 Years.
John Doherty Is A Certified Athletic Trainer & Licensed Physical Therapist.
This Column Reflects His Opinion. Reach Him @
Dear John Doherty:
"I read your article "Hamstring pain usually from strain -- but not always" in The Times (March 23, 2010).
What you describe about hamstring pain without the strain is exactly what I'm experiencing. I've had lower back pain for 2 1/2 years. I've seen orthopedic doctors, chiropractors, therapists and a spine specialist.
Believe it or not, it took until this past October, when I finally saw a spine specialist, to get an MRI. It showed two herniated discs. The only "treatments" discussed were therapy (which didn't work the first time), cortisone shot (which is not permanent) or surgery ... which was not pushed by the specialist.
I have been an athlete my whole life. I do cardio workouts at least four times a week: running, spinning, elliptical. Within the past month, my left hamstring feels very sore and tight -- especially during my runs -- and I didn't pull my hamstring (I know what that feels like).
I am too young and active for this constant lower back pain and now the hamstring is killing me. It is even affecting my running stride. I was hoping that your article included some form or therapy, remedies, exercises, etc. that might help the condition you described so well. Am I causing more damage to my back and hamstring by continuing the exercise? I've exhausted the normal medical routes of treatment that I am aware of with no relief or satisfaction. I am just tired of not being able to work out without pain.
Hope you can help!"
Thanks for the article. It was great. TL
Dear TL:
"Stories like yours are all too common.
Just days after I received your letter, a major Internet provider featured an article on back pain. In it, a big-city, board-certified pain specialist said muscle strain was one of the most common causes.
Not so!
Not according to me but according to every research article ever written about back pain. MRIs clearly will show a muscle strain. The next MRI I see of the low back, showing a strained muscle, will be the first. It is almost always an injured disc, fractured bone, and/or inflamed joint.
As for your hamstring pain, my column on March 30, 2010, did cover therapy but for a genuine strain. Avoid running and substitute other activities that don't cause pain down your leg. Possibilities include elliptical rider, stationary bike, and swimming or other pool exercises. Any activity that makes your leg pain worse is causing more damage. Give therapy another try and don't be so quick to dismiss the cortisone injection. Placed properly, it often provides long-term relief."
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