Expert: R. Scott Malone L.Ac. - 6/1/2010

Question
I had a pinched nerve in my upper neck 2 years ago which has resulted in my entire face with the feeling of 'pins and needles'  to include feeling of numbness.  I have done all sorts of procedures (chiropractic/massage/pain interventioin with spinal blocks/gabapentin etc) with no results.  I am open to the oriental medicine procedures but am unsure of what to ask for when i do go to an accupuncturist.  Does this mean my injured nerve will take time to regenerate?  How long would that be? Please help

Answer
Hello Sadie,

No need to know what to ask for, the intake and questioning will tell your practitioner what needs to be done. Be as thorough as possible with the intake and volunteer any information even if you don't think it's pertinent.

There can be pressure and damage to the nerve, heat and inflammation, underfunctioning spleen causing numbness, or stress can set it off, just to name a few.

A good solid diagnosis will narrow the field and provide the appropriate treatment.

Look for some change in the first 5-7 treatments. Change is good, it means the body is doing something different than the same old pattern. Your issue is 2 years old, so that puts it in the chronic category.
Chronic issues usually take longer to treat than acute issues, but who knows, maybe you will get quick relief and heal right up, it happens all the time.

Take care, and let me know if you have any other questions, or if I can help in any way,

R. Scott Malone L.Ac.