Chiropractors/toe numbness

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Question
i really hope you can help as I am worrying myself sick about my symptoms thinking I have MS or even cancer.I am 33 years old and have always been active.Around two months ago,I started to have what felt like shivers all over my body,and particulary in my legs.This has got worse and now the side of both my big toes are constantly numb.I dont have much pain,and the tingling is felt more in my legs than any other part of my body,i am quite tired,but am able to function as normal,I dont have any other symptoms and i feel quite healthy.I have been to my doctor who said it was probably sciatica.i have had back trouble in the past,just in a localised region in the small of my back.I am a dancer and am wondering whether this has contributed to this problem.Please can you advise.thankyou.

Answer
Hi Carla,

The answer can be found simple enough with an MRI of the lumbar spine, add to that, an EMG. If they come back negative, a hemoglobin A1c (blood test for diabetes) and a lower extremity Doppler to rule out peripheral vascular disease. These tests should be done up front instead of your doc guessing. MS and Cancer don't present themselves clinically with your symptoms, so I wouldn't worry about that. If it does come back as Sciatica, read my prior posts on how to get it fixed without surgery.

Take Care!

Dr. Timothy Durnin
drs.chiroweb.com

Chiropractors

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Dr. Timothy K. Durnin

Expertise

Anything Chiropractic related, Internal Medicine, Neurology, Hematology, Physical Therapy, Orthopedics Herniated or Slipped disc problems, Sciatica, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Spinal Injuries, Arthritis, Nutritional Advice, Diet and exercise, Supplement Knowledge, Orthotics, Laser Therapy, Pinched Nerves, Imaging Interpretation,(X-ray, MRI, Ultrasound, CT ect), any and all Neuromusculoskeletal Disorders. Expert Witness for 19 yrs, dealing with Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury, Workman's Compensation, Medicare and HIPPA issues. Active in clinical practice for 16+ yrs, I am a second generation Chiropractor, my father practiced for over 50 yrs in private practice and as a Diplomat in Radiology (DACBR) Currently on staff at Olympia Fields Osteopathic Hospital, active in private practice with several disciplines including Pediatrics, Orthopedic Surgery, Family Practice, IME's and Internal Medicine M.D.'s.

Experience

I own or am actively involved with 24 multidisciplinary clinics in the Chicago area employing M.D.'s, Orthopedic Surgeons, Pediatrics and Family Practice. My home practice is a continuation of my fathers which has existed for more than 55 yrs.

Organizations
AASP, ACA, ICS, AASP, AOPA, CPA, BBB, FCER, PADI

Education/Credentials
B.S./D.C. National College of Chiropractic 1991 Board Certified AMA impairment ratings. Presidential Cabinet Member NUHS. Phi Theta Kappa National honorary fraternity

Awards and Honors
Phi Theta Kappa/Who's Who in America Chiropractor of the year award 2001

Past/Present Clients
Many Chicago Bulls players

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