Crutches for lower back pain?

I've been seeing a chiropractor for lower back pain who's told me that I have a weak iliac crest and suggested trying forearm crutches to alleviate the pressure I have to put on my pelvis when I walk. I'm also doing PT, but I'm wondering if anyone has ever even heard of crutches for back pain (more specifically, lower back/iliac muscle-whatever it is back pain)? Any success? I'm trying to find out of this is legit, because at this point I'm tired of my back aching all the time.

Being a Chiropractor, I can tell you know, I have never heard of this and it does sound quite odd.

As for everyone ... MRI will only show gross changes in the structure, it does not and never will, show how joints are moving or how tight muscles are.

If you have had trauma, or your back pain is getting worse, seek help and get things checked including xrays/MRI.

Chiropractors trained in the USA are very variable, Australian and Canadian (and yes some schools in USA) are as well trained and knowledgable as Medics, especially in the structural field. But I digress from your problem..

If you actually have a weakness, using crutches will make it worse. The same as a cast allows your muscles to waste away from non-use. Crutches will do the same for your back - but there is a lot of doubt this is your problem anyway.

If your pelvic structure is weak then you need to build up the strength in the muslces that support it and make sure the joints are moving properly as well. Strength does not mean gym work or exercise but improving nerve and blood supply to the area.

You can do this in many ways your self at home using Acupressure, stretches and a few other simple techniques. If you like, click on th elink belwo for some free technqiues that will help your back pain now and help to stop it returning.

but one last word of advice for you and everyone reading...

If you seek help, changes in your back pain should occur in the first week or two. If not you are either having less effective treatment or the practitioner is not addressing the right areas. Remember, you are employing your practitioner - you are their boss - make sure you get good service, good answers and great relief.

Have you had MRI's or CAT scans to see what is really wrong with your back?
Go see an orthopedic surgeon or a neurologist, you could be going for treatment to a chiropractor for years an not get anything done, see the proper doctor for the proper disease.

Once they can "see" what the problem really is, then it can be treated. You may have to have surgery, maybe the treatment your getting isn't right. The last thing a doctor would tell you is to use crutches, what you may need is therapy or surgery, it's your choice.

http://www.spinalmedicine.com/articles/i...
Read this and then go and see a Doc. Problem with crutches, if you have weak muscles, the shoulders will be taking the full weight of the body. You could end up with other problems.