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Question
I have osteoarthritis in my neck and lower spine. I just moved and as the days progress my right leg keeps going further into numbness. Is there an exercise I can do to alleviate this discomfort? I am 63 years old and in good health otherwise.
Dear Judy,
Having arthritis of the spine does not necessarily mean that you will have symptoms from it. However, you are definitely at an increased risk.
Concerning the numbness, it can be the result of nerve root encroachment in the low back, sacroilliac dysfunction, myofascial pain referral, disk bulges, spinal stenosis, facet joint (spinal joint) pain referal or just a functional imbalance. You really need to find out what the actual problem is before I could recommend any specific type of exercises, because certain exercise protocols are designed to affect specifc anatomical structures.
What I would recommend is that you seek out a musculoskeletal expert like a chiropractic physician to perform a functional examination of the lowback, and hip as these are the most likley areas responsible for your leg numbness. Symptoms such as you have described can come from the neck as well, but this is less likely. The examination should include orthopedic test of the low back and hip, neurological testing of sensation, and active range of motion. The doctor may take x-rays or order an MRI if indicated to properly visualize the spinal structures. If nothing substantial is found to explain your symptoms, then a neck examination would be appropriate.
Good Luck Judy,
Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you very much. I was hoping there was an exercise I could do to prevent this in the future. | ||
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Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
Expertise
I can answer questions on general chiropractic care, sports injury, whiplash and auto crash, mild traumatic brain injury, structural and functional rehabilitation of the spine, nutrition for inflammation and repair, fitness training, nutrition for sports performance and other general health and nutrition related inquiries. I currently lecture on automobile trauma, occupant kinematics, and forensic risk analysis to local EMS, Fire and Police, as well as nutrition and sports injury to community groups. Rest assured all answers are generated from my clinical experience, and scientific research.
Experience
I have accumulated over 1100 hours of post-doctoral training to include; Certifications in Spinal Trauma and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury from the Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma from the International Chiropractic Association, Certification in Low Speed Auto Crash Reconstruction and Certification in Forensic Risk Analysis from The Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Certified Proficiency in spinal and extremity diagnostic procedures from The Motion Palpation Institute, Certified in Sports Injury and Rehabilitation from the National University of Health Sciences and The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, Nationally Certified Fellow of Structural Rehabilitation from The Chiropractic Biophysics Organization, and I have advanced training in manipulation under anesthesia and nutrition. Feel free to check out my website for course listings: www.suncoasthealthcare.net
Organizations
International Chiropractic Association, Florida Chiropractic Association, American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, American Academy of Pain Management, Chiropractic Biophysics, Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Motion Palpation Organization, American Academy of Manual and Physical Medicine, Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce
Education/Credentials
B.A. (Psychology)The University of Cincinnati
B.S. (Human Biology)Cleveland Chiropractic College
D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic) Cleveland Chiropractic College
C.C.S.T. (Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma)The International Chiropractic Association
C.C.S.P. (Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician)The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians.
*CCST and CCSP 120 hour certification courses are not recognized by the Florida Chiropractic Board due to the fact that they are not 300 hour diplomate level courses*
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