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Question
A little over a month ago, I began feeling a sort of numbness in my left thigh. I have feeling in my leg, but it is as if it has "fallen asleep". I have sensation there, but it is almost like the skin is numb to the touch. It is not my whole thigh, but the top part of my leg from above the knee halfway up to the pelvis and then down the side of my but not fully to the back of my leg. I had my wisdom teeth out the day before the numbness began so I can't help but think it has something to do with it, although the oral surgeon told me it did not. I was put under anesthesia and took pain medication afterward (Meperidine, I think). For the first week or two, at night while in bed, my thigh would tingle and burn, and sometimes have small spasms. I hope that what I've told you will help. I appreciate any answer you can give me. Thank you.
Dear Shae,
These symptoms can be explained by being on the table while you had the oral surgery, but that procedure shouldn't take very long so I doubt it was the initiating problem. Now concerning the anesthesia and meds, I researched the Meperdine, and there is nothing listed in the side effects literature concerning symptoms such as you have described. Concerning the actual anesthetic, your guess is a good as mine unless you can tell me exactly what type was used for the procedure.
From a musculoskeletal perspective, the sacroiliac joints (SI) which are bilateral structures in your low back/pelvis could be the culprit, or the nerve roots in the low back near the L4/L5 or L5/S1 junction. All of these structures can refer pain into the muscular system when there is dysfunction. The main thing that needs to be accomplished is differentiation of exactly where the problem is and what tissue is the offending structure.
I would recommend that you wait a week and see if the symptoms subside while trying mild stretches of the low back to include range of motion exercises, and see if the problems change or improve. If not find a local chiropractic physician and have the low back and pelvic structures examined for biomechanical dysfunction. I would suggest that you ask friends, colleagues, and/or family for a referral to a chiropractic physician that they trust first. If this does not help, you can write me back and I would be more than happy to try and find you a good chiropractor in your area. Good luck Shae.
Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 7 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thanks so much for your response. I actually know of a chiropractor that I can see. He's a family friend. I had no idea that this could be the problem until I began reading other posts. Thanks again! | ||
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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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