Expert: Gerald Anzalone, D.C. - 12/19/2006

Question
i was recently involved in a auto accident my hands are starting to swell and feel tingly and my toes keep going numd my doctor said i only spranged my sholder, but why is my toes going numb?

Answer
Vickie,

Numbness and swelling are worrisome for possible compression of a nerve root, possibly due to a herniated disc, or compression of the neurovascular bundle, the collection of nerves and blood vessels that exit the spine and supply the arms/hands and legs/feet.

Sprain/strain injuries typically do not not produce swelling, save perhaps in the localized area of injury, and then in the early stages of tissue healing immediately following an injury. A sprained shoulder certainly would not produce swelling and numbness in the hands and toes.

I would recommend an evaluation by a neurologist or orthopedic surgeon, or by a chiropractor who performs a thorough examination. I would consider an MRI scan of the neck and/or low back regions to assess for disc herniation and nerve compression. You might also need electrodiagnostic testing of the arms and/or legs, which can be performed by a neurologist. A nerve conduction velocity tests assesses nerve function and damage; an electromyography test assess muscle response to a stimulus and the physiological properties of the muscle while at rest.

I hope that this helps. Best wishes for happy and healthy holidays.