Expert: Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP - 6/2/2009

Question
I've recently started having almost constant numbness/tingling all down my left arm - especially noticeable in my fingertips (all, including thumb, but worst in pointer finger). In the last couple of months I started taking Pilates and also getting regular Massage (not for this problem, but for previous neck/shoulder knots - these numbness symptoms started more recently). I work at computer BUT I am right-handed, so most of the time my left arm is idle and I regularly check my posture and do stretching exercises, so I don't think this is caused by computering. I wonder if it's possible that I've developed a pinched or aggravated nerve as a result of the Pilates and Massage - a lot more manipulation than I had been used to before - although it seems odd that it would then only be affecting my left side. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated! Thanks.

Answer
Staten Island Pinched Nerve,  numbness,  radiculitis,  muscle knots,






Hello Jess,


I am sorry to hear of your pain/ numbness/ complaints/ condition.  I hope I can be of help.


".....I've recently started having almost constant numbness/tingling all down my left arm - especially noticeable in my fingertips (all, including thumb, but worst in pointer finger)......" This is probably a 'pinched nerve', a cervical- brachial neuritis, a radiculitis.  "Pinched Nerve" is an 'easy', 'garbage can' diagnosis,,,  "Pinched Nerve"  is only 1/2 a diagnosis- it is descriptive of a SYMPTOM.  Now, to get the other 1/2 of the diagnosis- the CAUSE of the pinched nerve, this is the real 'doctor' part of the equation.


I recommend you visit your local Doctor of Chiropractic.  This SOUNDS like a pinched nerve, BUT you need an examination, a proper evaluation by an appropriate health professional.  Your local Doctor can certainly do a great job, but I do like to point out that Chiropractic Doctors have additional credentials, specialties- just as Medical Doctors do;  for a list of degrees - please see:
http://www.acatoday.org/pdf/ApprovedChiropracticSpecialtyPrograms.pdf


My Staten Island Pinched Nerve patients who present with similar complaints of:  pain, numbness, tingling, muscle knots usually get an informative handout sheet- this may be of interest to you:






“Pinched  Nerve”   


( Also Known As-  neuritis, neuralgia, brachial-neuritis, sciatica )

“pinched nerve” – is only ½ a diagnosis,  WHAT is causing the ‘pinch’?

Your Doctor of Chiropractic will examine and evaluate you to make sure you are not showing signs of neurological damage or disease, tumors, cancers,  severe pathology, perhaps a Herniated Disc, or a Vertebral Subluxation Complex.

Sometimes  we  can  wake  up  with  a  ‘pinched nerve’,  or  a  muscle spasm.... sometimes a slip, trip, fall, heavy lift, or even a motor vehicle accident can cause a ‘pinched nerve’.  Very often -  the true    c a u s e   of  the pinched nerve, painor numbness  in the:    neck and/ or  shoulder  and/ or  arm  and/ or  hand;   pain in the back and/ or   buttock/ hip/ leg/ knee/ foot -  is a misalignment,  a  ‘kink’ in the neck or back - more properly termed a Vertebral Subluxation.


              Vertebral   Subluxation   Complex    (a.k.a.  ‘subluxation’)

The vertebral subluxation complex is the underlying cause of many healthcare problems.

A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.


This is a serious condition identified by its five parts:

      Spinal Kinesiopathology:
         This is fancy way of saying the bones of the spine have lost their normal motion and position. It restricts your ability to turn and bend. It sets in motion the other four components.

      Neuropathophysiology:
         Improper spinal function can choke, stretch, or irritate delicate nerve tissue. The resulting nerve system dysfunction can cause symptoms elsewhere in the body.

      Myopathology:
          Muscles supporting the spine can weaken, atrophy, or become tight and go into spasm. The resulting scar tissue changes muscle tone, requiring repeated spinal adjustments.

      Histopathology:
         A rise in temperature from an increase in blood and lymph supplies result in swelling and inflammation. Discs can bulge, herniate, tear, or degenerate. Other soft tissues may suffer permanent damage.

      Pathophysiology:
         The VSC contributes to OsteoArthritic degeneration.  Bone spurs and other abnormal bony growths attempt to fuse malfunctioning spinal joints. This spinal decay, scar tissue, and long-term nerve dysfunction can cause other systems of the body to malfunction.



The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position.
         Automobile accidents, improper lifting, improper posture, alcohol, emotional stress, chemical imbalances, and long periods of sitting can cause the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
          Vertebral  Subluxation  cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone.  Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction-  -  -    a manipulation,     best performed with the chiropractic adjustment.    For good health-
Treat   the   Cause,  not just the Symptoms.

Dr. Victor E. Dolan,   Doctor of Chiropractic;   Diplomat, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST  Chief of Chiropractic  in  a  Hospital  in  New York State (DHSI);  As  Seen  in  PREVENTION  Magazine





“Pinched  Nerve”   
( Also Known As-  neuritis, neuralgia, brachial-neuritis, sciatica )
“pinched nerve” – is only ½ a diagnosis,  WHAT is causing the ‘pinch’? – That “pinch” has to be taken care of FIRST!


As the “pinch” – the MECHANICAL component of the problem, the CAUSE of the problem is being taken care of  through Chiropractic treatment, perhaps additional help would speed your return to health:



Nerve Health Support:

-----B complex containing thiamine, folic acid, B-12 and niacin is highly suggested for nerve support.  High dose
B-vitamins should only be taken at the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.

-----B-6 is lower in patients with neuropathy.  Vitamin B-6 reduces the glycosylation that can cause nerve damage.  Amounts greater than 200mg/day can cause neuropathy symptoms.

-----Calcium and magnesium are important for nerve conduction and as muscle relaxants.

-----A multi-vitamin/mineral supplement is suggested for comprehensive support.

-----Essential fatty acids are necessary for nerve health.  Essential fatty acids include omega-3 fatty acids (fish and flax oil) and omega-6 fatty acids (black currant seed oil, borage oil and evening primrose oil).

-----Proteolytic enzymes may be beneficial in neuritis for the inflammation.

-----Lecithin aids in nerve support.

-----Natural herbal remedies including passion flower, valerian, chamomile, scullcap and white willow bark may be helpful.

-----Eat a healthy diet.  Avoid foods that stimulate the nervous system such as caffeine, chocolate, refined sugars, soda pop and cigarettes.

-----Drink plenty of filtered water.

-----Chiropractic care is imperative to remove nerve irritation.



Joint Support:

-----Glucosamine sulfate helps strengthen joint integrity.  Glucosamine is effective in relieving joint pain associated with osteoarthritis.  Glucosamine's pain-relieving effects may be due to its cartilage-rebuilding properties.  These disease-modifying effects are not seen with simple analgesics and are of particular benefit.

-----MSM is known for its pain-relieving properties in such conditions as fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, back pain and muscle soreness.  Not many clinical trials have been done using MSM, but clinical observations support the theory that MSM is beneficial in pain managment.

-----White willow is an antiinflammatory and analgesic agent.  White willow was used as far back as the Middle Ages to reduce pain and fevers.  The salicylates found in the white willow bark are responsible for the anti-inflammatory and anti-fever effects.  Acetylsalicylic acid, otherwise known as aspirin, is chemically similar to the salicylates.

-----Boswellia and turmeric (curcumin) are potent antiinflammatory herbs.  Curcumin may have similar action to aspirin.






".....I work at computer ...." This could be the cause of your problem.  Prolonged posture, repetitive motion can cause irritation to the nerves as much as lifting heavy objects !  Do you always look to the same side, always type in the same position, is your workstation ergonomically sound?


".... I wonder if it's possible that I've developed a pinched or aggravated nerve as a result of the Pilates and Massage - a lot more manipulation than I had been used to before ....", I am not familiar with manipulation being a part of Pilates, and what type of 'manipulation' is being performed with your massage?  As far as I know massage is working the soft tissue; there is no clicking/ cracking/ manipulation of any joints is there?  If you have been doing this for months, then the new development of the numbness is probably not related to your complaint.


Please be aware- do not get into a habit of taking medications to cover the symptoms of this problem, get to the CAUSE of the problem; again, my patients get some information on this that mey be helpful to you:





PAIN    

Pain  is a  ‘red light on the dashboard’.
 
Pain is your body telling you that something is wrong.

That RED LIGHT on the dashboard of your car-
-- do you ignore it until the car breaks down,
or do you get it checked and correct the problem?  

Pain,
pain in your body-
-- do you ignore it until your body breaks down,
or do you get it checked and correct the problem?  

Pain,  
do you cover up the pain by taking a painkiller?
Take a painkiller,
mask the pain,
and allow a problem to progress in your body?



        NOTICE  ON  PAIN  RELIEVERS:

 
Label changes ORDERED by FDA;  the FDA announced proposed label changes for OTC over-the-counter pain relievers to include the potential for stomach bleeding and liver damage (FDA news  206- 207;  12-9-06) ;

The  American Heart Association issued a scientific statement recommending medical doctors change the way they prescribe OTC pain relievers from a first choice to an alternate of recommending non-pharmacologic treatment (AHA statement  2-26-07).

NSAID Acceleration of ARTHRITIS; an important side effect of Aspirin and other NSAIDS is that it will inhibit cartilage repair and accelerate cartilage  destruction ( Journal of Rheumatology, 1982; 9: 3- 5 ). Many times people take NSAIDS for the pain of Arthritis, not realizing these drugs may make the underlying condition worse.  These medications cover up the pain, and cause the problem to worsen.


Pain  can  often  be  the  result  of  the  Vertebral  Subluxation  Complex.

Vertebral  Subluxation           (  ‘VSC’ ,    ‘subluxation’   )
Vertebral Subluxation  is  actually  a  quite  common  condition.

  Doctors of Chiropractic look for pathological conditions which may require referral to other specialties,   and also look for ‘Subluxation’. Other disciplines look for pathology, but overlook the importance of alignment and movement in the spine which affects our nervous system  (the master control system- ALL health disciplines learn this).  VSC- ‘Subluxation’ – can be the cause of many symptoms and conditions.




Only  a  Doctor of Chiropractic  will  evaluate  and  treat  for  VSC,   as  well  as  other  pathology.




The course of VSC is highly variable.   Some patients with VSC literally cannot walk, yet other patients with similar test findings may be able to run marathons or lift heavy weights.    Some patients immediately develop symptoms related to the VSC,  some patients take years to develop symptoms.  Some people suffer for only a few days with pain and symptoms, some people suffer for months.  Some people recover in days, some take months or years, depending upon severity of the condition.

A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.


The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position.  When subluxated, joints are in a stressed, vulnerable, compromised condition.  Subluxation may cause Arthritis, Disk Herniation, or aggravate such conditions.
       Vertebral  Subluxation   cannot   be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching,  yoga,  vitamins  or  physical  therapy  alone.       Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular-    mechanical-    problem  requires  a    mechanical correction-  -  -    a manipulation,         best  performed  with  the  chiropractic  adjustment.

Dr. Victor E. Dolan,   Doctor of Chiropractic;   Diplomat, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST  Chief of Chiropractic  in  a  Hospital  in  New York State (DHSI);  As  Seen  in  PREVENTION  Magazine
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++




You do not mention your age, and - do not be alarmed - you do not mention any cardiac (heart) history.  But, when a doctor hears LEFT ARM and any symptom,,, please be aware we also think of heart problems.  Given your description this is a distant possibility, but- whether a pinched nerve, herniated disc, vertebral subluxation, or the least likely heart problem- you should have an evaluation by a licensed health care provider- ie; the local Chiropractic Doctor.


I hope this helps.


If you need further,,, do not hesitate to REcontact me here at AllExperts.  http://allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC-DACBSP.htm  


Wishing you Good Luck, Good Health and a quick recovery,
your Internet Chiropractic Staten Island Expert,


Dr. Victor Dolan, DC DACBSP
http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com - - -- - Email NewsLetter