Expert: Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP - 8/7/2009

Question
the back of my left calf is completly numb and its been that way for 2 days. i have no idea whats causing it. do you have any ideas?

Answer
leg numbness, pinched nerve, staten island pinched nerve, herniated disc, staten island numbness,








Hello Amanda,


I am sorry to hear of your calf numbness.

Has this happened before?, You have had this for two days???- what did you do differently three days ago?, have you taken up a new sport, new activity?, did you slip, trip, fall? Was there any trauma recently- three days ago, a week ago, a month ago?  Did this occur suddenly?- you just woke up with it one day?  Has it been coming on for a while?, was there pain there first, followed by numbness?  ONLY one sided?, only the calf, only below the knee to the ankle???
calf, ankle, foot ?

I had an instructor a long time ago in Chiropractic School and she would say; "...Think about it!",  you have no idea where this came from,,,,?  again- what did you do different recently that could have caused this?


Along with the numbness, are there any other symptoms?- swelling, redness, heat, pain??
Do you see a bruise?, see a bite mark?, a sting mark?  Is numbness the ONLY symptom?

From my Chiropractic viewpoint I would, of course, evaluate you for a pinched nerve.  A nerve in your back , lower back, could be causing your calf numbness!  That is one thing I would look at.
When you bend, move, stretch- do things get better or worse?, have you ever injured your lower back? Have you ever had sciatica (pain/ numbness down the back of the leg)?  Have you ever been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in the lower back, herniated disc?  How is the strength in the leg, can you raise up upon your toes?, raise up upon your heels?  Stand on the affected leg?

Another thing we have to evaluate for is a circulatory problem.  Have you ever had any circulation, blood vessel problems?  Have you ever had a clot?  Does the foot feel cold, hot, swollen?  How is the pulse in your foot?, how does it compare to the other foot?

You could have a nerve involvement, you could have a circulatory problem, even a clot.

I would recommend an evaluation by a licensed health professional.  Whether a Chiropractic Doctor, or a Medical Doctor- I would recommend an examination.  Any health professional will look at the leg for intrinsic problems, into your spine for referred problems.

My Staten Island pinched nerve, numbness patients get some informative handout sheets - these may be helpful to you:




PAIN  / numbness:   

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


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“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.



“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.


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

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"....the back of my left calf is completly numb and its been that way for 2 days...."- I recommend an examination.

"....i have no idea whats causing it....."- think about it, think about the questions I have asked you- it may be helpful to find a cause, help along towards a better diagnosis when you visit a Doctor.

"....do you have any ideas?...."- I think I have given you a few ideas.



I hope this all helps.

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



Thank you for your question,
I wish you luck in returning to good health,
your Staten Island Chiropractic expert,


Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP
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