Numbness
Do you have numbness or tingling?
Numbness or Tingling
Dr. James Stegner of N.E.W. Chiropractic, PC in Palatine, IL, specializes in treating pain, numbness, and tingling. Often, these are caused by:
- Auto accidents
- Work injuries
- Sports injuries
He provides compassionate chiropractic care for these patients because he has a clear understanding of how these patients are feeling. That’s because he experienced pain, numbness, and tingling after a serious trampoline injury in high school. Link to story
Additionally, you should know that it’s important to treat a problem of numbness or tingling when it first starts. The sooner you seek treatment, the more likely Dr. James can help make these symptoms go away. Also, if the numbness and/or tingling comes and goes, it’s more likely that the problem is treatable.
In the vast majority of cases, Dr. James can relieve the symptoms of pain, numbness, and tingling. However, continuous numbness that’s lasted for years may be difficult to treat because of permanent nerve damage.
Causes of Numbness
Numbness and tingling often are caused by a neurologic or circulatory problem. The first thing Dr. James will do is listen to you. He’ll ask you questions and assess the source of the numbness and tingling.
For example, in a long-time, heavy smoker, numbness in the legs may signal a circulatory problem rather than a chiropractic issue. In that case, Dr. James would recommend discontinuing smoking and following up with your primary care doctor and/or a specialist.
On the other hand, if your numbness and tingling are the results of an injury, accident, or overuse, chiropractic care may be helpful.
Numbness and Tingling of Hands
Numbness in Right Hand or Right Arm
If you have pain, numbness, or tingling in the right hand or right arm, the source of the problem could be your neck or upper spine. Alternatively, it could be a local problem in your hand—or it could stem anywhere in between your neck and your hand. For example, it could be carpal tunnel syndrome from overuse, such as typing on a keyboard.
Dr. James will take a thorough history and examine you to determine the source of your numbness or tingling.
Numbness in Left Arm
Similar to numbness in the right arm or right hand, numbness or tingling in the left arm or left hand needs to be assessed. Dr. James will determine the source of the pain. Is it circulatory? Is it a case for which you need to be referred to your primary care provider?
Almost always, Dr. James can help make the pain stop. If the numbness or tingling are not long-standing, they are often treatable as well.
Numbness in Legs or Numbness in Big Toe
Numbness in the legs, feet, or toe, may be due to a problem anywhere between the mid to low back. On the other hand, it may be due to a localized problem. In other words, the problem could be exactly where you’re feeling the pain, numbness, or tingling.
The first step Dr. James will take is to listen to you. He will want to know:
- How long you’ve had the problem
- Whether the numbness, tingling and/or pain are constant, or if it comes and goes
- How it began
- Your physical symptoms
- Whether or not you have other metabolic problems, such as diabetes
If you’re unable to walk, Dr. James may recommend diagnostic imaging.
Often numbness and tingling can be caused from a pinched nerve. For example, a pinched sciatic nerve may cause shooting, burning pain down the buttock and back of the leg.
If you’re a heavy smoker or have diabetes, Dr. James will likely refer you to your primary care physician and/or a specialist who can help co-manage your concerns.
“Because I’ve experienced this kind of pain, numbness, and tingling, I’m very tuned in. I know the cause of these symptoms. More important, I know the treatments that work. I consider it ‘paying it forward.’”
Treatment
In addition to a thorough history, Dr. James will run several tests. In this way, he can rule out various causes of numbness and tingling.
He also has a variety of treatments that can relieve pain and minimize numbness. These include the following:
- TeslaMax®
- Spinal decompression or traction therapy
- Chiropractic adjustments
- McKenzie Method
- Myofascial release (MFR)
- Whole-body vibration
- Acupuncture
TeslaMax®
The TeslaMax® is one of Dr. James’ go-to treatments for numbness and tingling—whether in the arms, shoulders, hands, legs, or feet. Unlike other electrical stimulation devices, the TeslaMax® results in a more intense—but painless—contraction. It causes the muscles to relax and contract, creating more blood flow and sending more oxygen to the affected area. It can be likened to exercising without exerting yourself. Dr. James has found this treatment to be highly effective in treating cases of pain, numbness, and tingling.
Spinal Decompression or Traction
Spinal decompression is a gentle stretching of your spine. It takes pressure off the discs (gel-like cushions) between the bones in your spine. If you have a painful disc that is bulging or pinched, it can be relieved with gentle traction.
By stretching the upper spine or neck area, traction can relieve pressure that might be causing numbness or tingling in your arms or hands. By decompressing the lower spine, traction can relieve pressure on nerves and other structures that supply your buttocks, legs or feet. At the same time, this results in increased blood flow to the area, bringing nutrients, oxygen, and fluids to help the area heal.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Chiropractic adjustments help bring the spine back into proper alignment. In the case of numbness and tingling, this is almost always done as a manual adjustment—rather than using an instrument. In addition, Dr. James may also adjust areas in your arms or legs—called extraspinal (outside the spine) adjustments, if needed.
McKenzie Protocol
The McKenzie Method consists of gentle stretching and range of motion exercises that Dr. James can teach you at N.E.W. Chiropractic. Later, you can do these at home to continue to heal yourself and help prevent pain in the future. These stretching exercises can focus on the neck to relieve numbness, pain, and tingling in the arms or hands. Alternatively, they can focus on the lower back to relieve numbness and tingling in the legs.
Myofascial Release (MFR)
Fascia is connective tissue throughout your entire body. Myofascial release (MFR) is the massage and stretching of connective tissue. MFR in the neck can help release gripping shoulder pain, or pain and numbness in the forearms. MFR in the lower back can help relieve pain in the legs.
Whole-Body Vibration
The word “new” in N.E.W. Chiropractic stands for the natural education of wellness. N.E.W. Chiropractic has some of the newest types of medical technology. One piece of equipment that Dr. James offers provides whole-body vibration. First used in space programs, Dr. James reports that this is quite effective on numbness and tingling in the legs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happens at the first chiropractic appointment?
At your first appointment, Dr. James will take a full medical history and conduct a comprehensive exam. This helps him to make an accurate diagnosis of your current condition and to establish the best possible plan of care. You can expect Dr. James to:
- Carefully listen to your needs, concerns, and fears
- Express empathy about the severity of your pain
- Assess your range of motion to see how well the affected areas can move
- Palpate your spine—gently pressing on the spine and other areas to check for knots, tightness, discomfort or inflammation
- Do orthopedic tests—such as bending and gently pressing to see what causes discomfort or pain
- Test for muscle strength and weakness
- Check your reflexes and address any issues of numbness or tingling
- Study your posture to see how you sit and stand
After completing the assessment, Dr. James will discuss a recommended treatment plan with you. What’s more, you will receive treatment on your first visit to N.E.W. Chiropractic. Starting your path to pain relief as soon as possible is part of our commitment to compassionate chiropractic care.
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Can you help stop my pain?
James Stegner, D.C. does a careful examination and evaluation of your symptoms, and more often than not, he can help relieve your pain with chiropractic care. However, your overall health issues may be more complex.
Dr. James will determine if you are a good candidate for chiropractic care treatment. If you are, he will handle your care with consideration and attention. If he believes you would be better served by other doctors, he’ll refer you to the necessary and appropriate specialists to help guide your care.
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Why would I choose a chiropractor (D.C.) instead of a medical doctor (M.D.)?
The root word “chiro” means “hands.” Chiropractors, such as James Stegner, are “hands-on” doctors. Traditional chiropractic care focuses on hands on adjustments of the spine.
Today, chiropractic doctors like Dr. James Stegner in Palatine, IL are certified in techniques such as acupuncture and a variety of physical therapy treatments as well.
Dr. James does not prescribe opioids or pain killers. Instead he focuses on naturally healing the body, by making it healthier, stronger, and more flexible. In fact, the N-E-W in N.E.W. chiropractic stands for the Natural Education of Wellness and compassionate chiropractic care.
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When should I seek treatment for numbness or tingling?
It’s important to treat a problem of numbness or tingling when it first starts. The sooner you seek treatment, the more likely it is that N.E.W. Chiropractic can help relieve the pain, numbness, and tingling.
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What insurance does N.E.W. Chiropractic take?
The chiropractic doctor, Dr. James Stegner, takes multiple forms of insurance. Among these are Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO.
Many new patients have had an accident or injury. For that reason, N.E.W. Chiropractic also takes auto accident insurance, workmen’s compensation, and personal injury insurance.
Coverage may depend on your policy. If you have another type of insurance, contact the office before making an appointment to see what your out-of-pocket expenses might be.
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Is it going to hurt?
If you’ve never had a chiropractic adjustment, you may feel a bit anxious about it. Dr. James will walk you through it. It can be a little surprising—but should never be painful. Afterward, you may feel amazing or be a little tender.
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Will my numbness and tingling go away?
The chance of your numbness and tingling stopping is related to how constant the feelings are. If your numbness and tingling come and go, it may be easier to treat. If the symptoms are constant, treatment may reduce the intensity of the numbness and tingling, making it more tolerable.
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Do you offer evening or weekend appointments?
Yes, absolutely. We know that many people work outside the home or need to wait for another adult to care for young children. That’s why N.E.W. Chiropractic offers both evening and weekend appointments.