Expert: David L. Rozeboom, D.C. - 7/24/2005

Question
Hi David,

My name is Daxton, and I am 26 years old.

Firstly, and I hope this email does not turn into a novel, I want to give you a brief explanation of me and my medical history.

I don't really remember growing up with back pain, but I do remember being about 14 years old and having tingly sensations in my spine.  If I worked hard a certain day and was supporting a lot of weight, or even sitting on the floor leaned over a bit for a long period, my back would get sore...tingly and slightly burning.  I figured it was normal.  At about 20, the pain was more severe, and muscle knots started to ruin my day.  They happen always in my upper right back, just between my shoulder blade and spine.  Like I said...I sort of learned to live with it.  about a year ago, I went in for chiropractic care.  The chiropractor took x-rays and discovered a few things. Firstly, I have scoliosis.  It is slight, (I can't remember for sure but I think it curves toward the right.) also, on one side, the L5 bone in my spine is fused to my pelvis. The chiropractor mentioned that without consistent regular treatments, my spine could get arthritic. She also said that the fused bone does limit range of motion a bit, but she did not seem too concerned about it.
This brings us up to date.
Until about 2 months ago...things were normal for me.  By that I mean, regular pain and muscle knots on a daily basis.  Something that I've been dealing with by infreqent massage therapy and hot/cold treatments. Also, there is a more sharp pain that comes from my lower back. When I helped a friend move out of her place about 3 weeks ago, my back was more sore than it had ever been.  I was so glad to finally lay down at the end of the evening.  Sleeping was very hard with the pain but I managed. The problem was that when I woke up, my right leg was completely paralyzed! It was dead to the world...I sat there screaming at my foot, yelling, "MOVE YOUR TOES!" After about 5 mins, I did regain feeling.  This is the scariest thing that I've ever gone through.  
Since then, almost every day, my legs feel cold and tingly.  Almost like they are "falling asleep" Its mainly from the knees down.  It's extremely disctracting and does make it hard to sleep.  It's also hard to get confortable. Sitting in a chair and laying down are when I notice it most.  The biggest relief, it seems, comes from walking.  Right now, I'm very confused.  On top of the "regular pain" that I have, I now have this tingly legs problem.  I am no longer able to do things I really enjoyed doing, such as weightlifting, skateboarding or running activities which I find the impact to great.  I am completely uncertain what to do.  I did try chiropractor for about 2 months and spent a lot of money on it.  I also tried massage for the same time. Although greatly relieving for the moment, the pain is still there and found it to be of little help.  Maybe I need to go longer?  I've tried medication such as mersyndol which my family doctor asked my to try. It didn't help much and it makes me feel weird.  I don't know if I should consider surgery or different medication..Im lost and really scared. I don't know what's happening in my body. I think I'm pretty young to be having these problems. If you can help me understand what is going on, methous for relief, of If you have any suggestions to offer, I would be extremely happy and grateful to hear.

-=Dax=-

Answer
Dax:

Thanks for writing!

I am sorry that you are in this condition, particularly after seeing a chiro as much as you did.

It sounds to me like you have a deficiency of one of your organs in addition to the condition in your back.

You should see a wholistic health doctor, probably another chiropractor but perhaps a naturopath, osteopath or even some medical doctors. You need to check into herbs and vitamins and minerals for your organs, to nourish them.

One thing you could do immediately, which would certainly help somewhat and would not hurt you. Get on trace minerals, every day. I like the Inland Sea Water from Trace Minerals in Utah. There products are widely avaialable and do not cost much.

Another thing might be magnesium citrate from Peter Gilham. This can be found in most health food stores, or visit his website and find a distributor near you.

Some doctor must take a fresh look at your health, not just your pains, and find a solution.

I might be able to give you a referral, depending on your location.

And of course there is always the water intake. Let us say, for example, that you weight 200 lbs. You must take in 100 ounces of filtered or distilled water, not tap water, every day. And do not use the Dasunni brand or Sam's or Walmart's brand. The Deja Blue and the Aqua Pura are good brands.

It is a rebuilding process. Not a matter of killing the pain.

Dr. Rozeboom