You are here:
Chiropractors/Leg Numbness
Advertisement
Question
I saw a Chiropractor two days ago. He made the usual adjustments and added another where he pressed sharply on my lower back. Since then I have had a numbness in my left quadriceps area. The skin is numb and feels similar to when my foot falls asleep. There is burning like a cold burn, but not intense just annoying. I asked the Chiropractor, he said the symptoms are related to upper back (which we did not adjust). I am curious if this could be related to the treatment or if it is just a strange coincidence. Should I seek additional medical advice from a neurologist?
Don,
Odds are that the adjustment was in the transition zone between your thoracic and lumbar spine, and possibly he strained the joints underneath (on the belly side of the spine) where the nerves come out and go to the front of the hip and thigh. It should resolve. If it doesn't resolve in a few days or so, then ask the chiropractor to do a basic neurologic survey and check your skin sensation with a pinwheel. If all is okay, try some easy stretching and massage of the area. If all fails, then imaging via MRI may be warranted to rule out a disc protrusion at the L1 or L2 level. In the mean time, give it a few days and consult the DC first.
'Hope this was helpful.
Dr. G
Related Articles
Chiropractors
Answers by Expert:
- Scott F. Gillman, DC, DACBSP
- Dr. Paul Newhart
- Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP
- Dr. Brendon J. O`Brien, D.C.
- Gerald Anzalone, D.C.
- David Kulla, DC
- Robert A. Arnone, DC
- Keith E. Biggs, DC
- John Quackenbush DC
- Dr. Timothy K. Durnin
- Dr. Man Tran, Ph.D., D.C., L.Ac.
- Timothy A. Peck, DC
- J.R. Strecker, B.S., D.C.
- Dr. Nekessa Remy
Scott F. Gillman, DC, DACBSP
Expertise
21 Years in practice: I can answer any question regarding chiropractic and sports medicine treatment. Mostly, I can help the unknowing public understand what is safe, valid, reasonable and evidence-based, and what kinds of unscrupulous chiropractors and fraudulent methods to stay away from. I have an advanced specialty degree in Chiropractic Sports Medicine. I have experience treating elite and Olympic athletes.
Experience
Experience:
- 21 years in practice;
- Pan American Games, 2011: Official Medical Staff for the Pan Am Games.
- Beijing 2008 Olympic Games: World Olympians Associan and International Sports Chiropractic Association Healthcare Team;
- International Chiropractic Sports Sciences Diploma;
- Official Provider: Jamaican Track and Field team for Penn Relays (2009-2011)
- Experience with USA Gymnastics Healthcare team and International Powerlifting Association Medical Staff;
- 300 hour chiropractic sports medicine diplomate degree (DACBSP); International Chiropractic Sports Sciences Diploma (ICSSD)
- Healthcare Consultant: Century, Ty-Wood Corp. Holliston, MA (2005-2007)
- Team Chiropractor: Boston Bulldogs USL D-3 & Boston Renegades USL W-1 League (1999-2004)
- Independent Examiner: Scope Medical and The Physician's Network
- Professional/Clinical Monitor: Affiliated Monitors, Inc.
- Board of Directors: MetroWest Chamber of Commerce (Massachusetts)2000-2006
- "The Impact of Chiropractic Manipulative Therapy on Chronic Recurrent Lateral Ankle Sprain Syndrome in Two Young Athletes" J. of Chiro Med , Fall 2004
- "Work Related Injury;" The Hanover Report, June, 1993
- "Long Lasting Analgesic Effect of Oxymorphonazine in Rats;" Agonists and Antagonists III, n.7675, 1985
- BS Biology, Doctor of Chiropractic: Northwestern College of Chiropractic,
- Diplomate: American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians (DACBSP)
Education/Credentials
Doctor of Chiropractic Diplomate: American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.