Expert: Dr. Man Tran, Ph.D., D.C., L.Ac. - 9/2/2009

Question
I had a bike accident and landed HARD on my fanny.  There is extreme bruising to my right butt muscle and has been stiff and painful.  However, there is a large portion (about 6 in in diameter) that is STILL numb after 5 days.  (kind of like your face after you have been to the dentist).  No tingling, nothing.  Will this go away?  If not, should I seek medical help - can there be anything done to fix it?  If so, would a regular doctor or chiropractor be the first place to start?  thanks d

Answer
Dear Donna,

Has the bruising gone down?  The numbness you experience could be due to the nerves around the buttock being affected.  If you can still move the buttock muscle then this means the sensory nerves (nerve to the skin for sensation) is damaged.  If the swelling/bruising has gone down but you still have the numbness then I suggest to visit a medical doctor for further evaluation to be on the safe side.