Expert: Heather Vandeburg L.Ac M.S.O.M. dipl.Ac - 7/13/2008

Question
QUESTION: I've had some numbness (no pain or tingling) in mostly right arm and leg and sometimes also on the left side. There is nerve compression on a cervical vertebrae and also a lumbar tear but the damage is mostly on the left side. Physical therapy and mobic, an antinflammatory. I've been given Lyrica, but after reading all the side effects, I don't think I want to try it as I'm not in pain--more worried about the cause. I also have Meniere's disease and have been having more problems with balance and vertigo lately too. Do you think acupuncture could help my situation?

ANSWER: Hi MBS,
Yes, I do think that your numbness and tingling in your arms and legs and your Meniere's disease can be helped with acupuncture.  In fact from the TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) perspective they are probably related. Internal wind or blood deficiency.  You should definitely seek out a TCM practitioner and get some treatment.  A TCM practitioner is a very highly trained Acupuncturist.

Warm Regards,
Heather Vandeburg LAc MSOM diplAc

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Heather, thanks for your quick response. Just wondering, have you worked with similar patients, and if so how many treatments did it ususally take? Is there a possibility that the acupuncture could make it worse?

Answer
Treatment amounts are dependant on the length of the disease and severity of the disease.  The longer you have had it the longer it will take to treat.  I have treated your type of symptoms successfully.  A few patients got better within 10-12 treatments, some took 6 months to heal and recover.  It really depends on how your body responds to the therapy.  There are always some ups and downs when your going Thru a healing process.  I look at change of any type as a good thing.  Even change for the worse temporarily, is ok.  It is still change and means the problem can go away.

Hope this helps.

Heather Vandeburg LAc MSOM diplAc