QuestionQUESTION: I am a 32 year old female. I began experiencing numbness/tingling in my
arms/hands/legs/feet about a month ago. (After I had been taking a 2500
mcg B12 supplement). I stopped taking the B12, and numbness and tingling
got much less, but have continued to change. I went to my GP and he had no
diagnosis. He's sending me to a neurologist. I've also experienced a very
slight fever, pain in my neck and shoulders and back of my head under my
ears. (My doc attributed that to a sinus problem).
Recently, the symptoms have changed to a more stinging painlike thing,
especially after I play my guitar (on stage, standing up). Last night the pain
started in my neck, and later I experienced stinging pain in my left foot (from
exertion on it) and in my back. I've also had weird stinging sensations in
random places like the side of my face.
Could it be a pinched nerve in my neck or back that could be solved by a
chiropractor?
ANSWER: pinched nerve in neck, pinched nerve in back, Staten Island Pinched Nerve,
Hello Vanessa,
I am sorry to hear of your complaints.
"..... I began experiencing numbness/tingling in my
arms/hands/legs/feet about a month ago. (After I had been taking a 2500 mcg B12 supplement). I stopped taking the B12, and numbness and tingling got much less, but have continued to change.....".
Vitamin B12 is extraordinarily safe http://ezinearticles.com/?Vitamin-B12-Side-Effects&id=210093 --- BUT: "An intake any one of the B-complex vitamins by itself for a sustained period of time can result in an imbalance of other important B vitamins in the human body. Because of drug interactions with other medicines, the potential for side effects although seemingly nonexistent cannot be ruled out...."
B-complex vitamins have MUCH to do with our nervous system, an increase or decrease in the B vitamins can affect our nerves, and taking one B vitamin can affect the levels of the other B vitamins.
"....but have continued to change.....", once you stopped taking the high dose of B12, things should have changed for the better over time- especially if the B12 was the cause of the complaint.
Why did you take such a large dose? What was your goal? Did a nutritionist or doctor recommend that therapy? What other vitamins did you also take during that period?
"....but have continued to change.....", - are things getting better or worse ????
"....I went to my GP and he had no diagnosis. He's sending me to a neurologist....." , you talk about 'experiencing numbness/tingling in my arms/hands/legs/feet '- certainly a neurologist is a good place to go numbness is a NERVE problem. May I also recommend a Doctor of Chiroprapractic with an additional Neurology credential See:
http://www.acatoday.org/pdf/ApprovedChiropracticSpecialtyPrograms.pdf
Your local family Doctor of Chiropractic could help you locate a DACNB.
"...I've also experienced a very slight fever, pain in my neck and shoulders and back of my head under my ears. (My doc attributed that to a sinus problem)......"- fever?= infection of some sort.
Your MD gave you a diagnosis of a sinus infection? Tested you to find the source of these complaints?
"....Recently, the symptoms have changed to a more stinging painlike thing, especially after I play my guitar (on stage, standing up). Last night the pain started in my neck, and later I experienced stinging pain in my left foot (from exertion on it) and in my back. I've also had weird stinging sensations in random places like the side of my face......" - I need a greater history.
Have you had symptoms like this before? What initiated your interest and intake of vitamins? What tests have been run upon you?
Have you had a brain MRI, EEG, have you had EMGs/NCVs ?
Have you recently had an automobile accident? , slip, trip, fall, blow to the head; gained weight, lost weight? Is there a family history of diabetes, of neurological conditions? Are you on any medications?
Again, I would not hesitate to recommend a local Chiropractic Doctor, and especially with a neurology credential.
"....Could it be a pinched nerve in my neck or back that could be solved by a chiropractor?....", that is possible, but only an evaluation by a chiropractic doctor will tell us yes or no.
You need a thorough case history taken in person (witness all the questions you lead me to), you need a physical examination in person, your complaints certainly sound neurological- and an exam of your nerves is necessary- it could be nutritional, it could be metabolic- diabetes, it could be structural- yes indeed a 'pinched nerve'. Only an -in person- thorough exam can get the needed job done.
Some information I hand out to my Staten Island Pinched Nerve patients:
揚inched Nerve?
( Also Known As- neuritis, neuralgia, brachial-neuritis, sciatica )
損inched nerve??is only ?a diagnosis,
WHAT is causing the 憄inch?
Your Doctor of Chiropractic will examine and evaluate you to make sure you are not showing signs of neurological damage or disease, tumors, cancers, severe pathology, perhaps a Herniated Disc, or a Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Sometimes we can wake up with a 憄inched nerve? or a muscle spasm.... sometimes a slip, trip, fall, heavy lift, or even a motor vehicle accident can cause a 憄inched nerve? Very often - the true c a u s e of the pinched nerve, painor numbness in the: neck and/ or shoulder and/ or arm and/ or hand; pain in the back and/ or buttock/ hip/ leg/ knee/ foot - is a misalignment, a 慿ink?in the neck or back - more properly termed a Vertebral Subluxation.
Vertebral Subluxation Complex (a.k.a. 憇ubluxation?
The vertebral subluxation complex is the underlying cause of many healthcare problems.
A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
This is a serious condition identified by its five parts:
Spinal Kinesiopathology:
This is fancy way of saying the bones of the spine have lost their normal motion and position. It restricts your ability to turn and bend. It sets in motion the other four components.
Neuropathophysiology:
Improper spinal function can choke, stretch, or irritate delicate nerve tissue. The resulting nerve system dysfunction can cause symptoms elsewhere in the body.
Myopathology:
Muscles supporting the spine can weaken, atrophy, or become tight and go into spasm. The resulting scar tissue changes muscle tone, requiring repeated spinal adjustments.
Histopathology:
A rise in temperature from an increase in blood and lymph supplies result in swelling and inflammation. Discs can bulge, herniate, tear, or degenerate. Other soft tissues may suffer
permanent damage.
Pathophysiology:
The VSC contributes to OsteoArthritic degeneration. Bone spurs and other abnormal bony growths attempt to fuse malfunctioning spinal joints. This spinal decay, scar tissue, and long-term nerve dysfunction can cause other systems of the body to malfunction.
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position.
Automobile accidents, improper lifting, improper posture, alcohol, emotional stress, chemical imbalances, and long periods of sitting can cause the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Vertebral Subluxation cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone. Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction- - - a manipulation, best performed with the chiropractic adjustment. For good health-
Treat the Cause, not just the Symptoms.
Dr. Victor E. Dolan, Doctor of Chiropractic; Diplomat, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST Chief of Chiropractic in a Hospital in New York State (DHSI); As Seen in PREVENTION Magazine
揚inched Nerve?
( Also Known As- neuritis, neuralgia, brachial-neuritis, sciatica )
損inched nerve??is only ?a diagnosis, WHAT is causing the 憄inch? ?That 損inch?has to be taken care of FIRST!
As the 損inch??the MECHANICAL component of the problem, the CAUSE of the problem is being taken care of through Chiropractic treatment, perhaps additional help would speed your return to health:
Nerve Health Support:
-----B complex containing thiamine, folic acid, B-12 and niacin is highly suggested for nerve support. High dose
B-vitamins should only be taken at the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.
-----B-6 is lower in patients with neuropathy. Vitamin B-6 reduces the glycosylation that can cause nerve damage. Amounts greater than 200mg/day can cause neuropathy symptoms.
-----Calcium and magnesium are important for nerve conduction and as muscle relaxants.
-----A multi-vitamin/mineral supplement is suggested for comprehensive support.
-----Essential fatty acids are necessary for nerve health. Essential fatty acids include omega-3 fatty acids (fish and flax oil) and omega-6 fatty acids (black currant seed oil, borage oil and evening primrose oil).
-----Proteolytic enzymes may be beneficial in neuritis for the inflammation.
-----Lecithin aids in nerve support.
-----Natural herbal remedies including passion flower, valerian, chamomile, scullcap and white willow bark may be helpful.
-----Eat a healthy diet. Avoid foods that stimulate the nervous system such as caffeine, chocolate, refined sugars, soda pop and cigarettes.
-----Drink plenty of filtered water.
-----Chiropractic care is imperative to remove nerve irritation.
Joint Support:
-----Glucosamine sulfate helps strengthen joint integrity. Glucosamine is effective in relieving joint pain associated with osteoarthritis. Glucosamine's pain-relieving effects may be due to its cartilage-rebuilding properties. These disease-modifying effects are not seen with simple analgesics and are of particular benefit.
-----MSM is known for its pain-relieving properties in such conditions as fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, back pain and muscle soreness. Not many clinical trials have been done using MSM, but clinical observations support the theory that MSM is beneficial in pain managment.
-----White willow is an antiinflammatory and analgesic agent. White willow was used as far back as the Middle Ages to reduce pain and fevers. The salicylates found in the white willow bark are responsible for the anti-inflammatory and anti-fever effects. Acetylsalicylic acid, otherwise known as aspirin, is chemically similar to the salicylates.
-----Boswellia and turmeric (curcumin) are potent antiinflammatory herbs. Curcumin may have similar action to aspirin.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I hope the above helps.
Go Get Checked Out at your local Doctor of Chiropractic; I would not be surprised if chiropractic could help.
If you need further,,, do not hesitate to REcontact me here at
AllExperts.
http://www.allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC-DACBSP.htm
Wishing you Good Luck, Good Health and a quick recovery,
your Internet Chiropractic Staten Island Expert,
Dr. Victor Dolan, DC DACBSP
http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com - - -- - Email NewsLetter
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Just an addition......I took the B12 because one morning I woke up with my
right arm asleep (it stayed that way all day). I looked up possible causes and
B12 deficiency was one....since I do happen to be tired all the time as well.
That supplement dose was the only one I could find that was sublingual and it
said to take it every day. I stopped taking it within 2 weeks because the "pins
and needles" feeling was in my hands and feet constantly. That got much
better, but then stinging pain started setting in.
I did go to a chiropractor last week. He said that my neck has lost it's
curvature and showed me the xray where my vertebrae are overlapping. Still
waiting on the xray of my back. He said it was due to post trauma injury and
it's most likely true.
A year ago, I was at a doctor visit and saw blood, got woosy. The nurse left
the room and I ended up passing out and nose-diving off the exam table
head first. I had to have stiches above my eye and I banged my shoulder
really well. Since then, I'd had a lot of headaches and neck pain but I
attributed it to stress. The chiropractor has me scheduled for 15 sessions.
At least now I know the cause of some of it for sure. I'm still going to the
neurologist but it's not until next week.
Thanks for your help.
AnswerPinched nerve, staten island pinched nerve, cervical-brachial radiculitis, vertebral subluxation, head trauma, fall, staten island whiplash,
Hello Vanessa,
Thank you for the followup information and followup question.
"....one morning I woke up with my
right arm asleep (it stayed that way all day)....."- One morning you woke up with numbness/ tingling down your arm from your neck.
Have you ever had stiff necks? What you are describing here is usually a progression of a stiff neck or whiplash type injury.
So many people come into the chiropractic doctor's office complaining of pain / numbness / tingling , in the arm even to the fingertips. Upon history/ examination it is elicited that the patient has had stiff necks in the past (or suffered a whiplash type injury- ie: motor vehicle accident, or a fall onto the face). The stiff necks gradually got worse, until it also included symptoms traveling to the shoulder/ arm/ hand.
Taking B12, not taking B12; would not have had a lot of influence on this complaint- as it was not the CAUSE of the complaint. You decided to take B12 after the pinched nerve started. The pinched nerve progressed (with or without B12) because the cause was not being addressed.
Your initiating factor could have been a bad habit- ie: sleeping on your stomach, sleeping face down for 10, 20, 30 years--- this poor posture can do as much damage as a whiplash!
Sleeping on your stomach = a lot of time X a little force = cervical degeneration. This can also be brought about by a fall upon the face. Fall = a fraction of time X a REAL LOT of force = cervical degeneration, and pressure upon a nerve.
".....I ended up passing out and nose-diving off the exam table
head first. I had to have stiches above my eye and I banged my shoulder really well. Since then, I'd had a lot of headaches and neck pain.....", well, I think you may have found the CAUSE of your SYMPTOMS !!!
Our little conversation here, online, has made us come to the probable cause of your problems. The Xray examination--- with a loss of the normal healthy curvature is evidence of a whiplash type injury (ie: falling on to your face, or sleeping on the stomach X years, or an automobile accident).
An MRI and/or an EMG/ncv could also be in your future, to more fully evaluate your complaints/ condition.
A 'pinched nerve' can also be termed a 'radiculitis' or a 'neuritis'.
In Staten Island Whiplash is very very common due to the amount of automobile accidents we have. Many patients turn to the Doctor of Chiropractic for relief.
In my office I utilize information handout sheets that may be helpful to you as well, for your perusal:
PAIN
Pain is a 憆ed light on the dashboard?
Pain is your body telling you that something is wrong.
That RED LIGHT on the dashboard of your car-
-- do you ignore it until the car breaks down,
or do you get it checked and correct the problem?
Pain,
pain in your body-
-- do you ignore it until your body breaks down,
or do you get it checked and correct the problem?
Pain,
do you cover up the pain by taking a painkiller?
Take a painkiller,
mask the pain,
and allow a problem to progress in your body?
NOTICE ON PAIN RELIEVERS:
Label changes ORDERED by FDA; the FDA announced proposed label changes for OTC over-the-counter pain relievers to include the potential for stomach bleeding and liver damage (FDA news 206- 207; 12-9-06) ;
The American Heart Association issued a scientific statement recommending medical doctors change the way they prescribe OTC pain relievers from a first choice to an alternate of recommending non-pharmacologic treatment (AHA statement 2-26-07).
NSAID Acceleration of ARTHRITIS; an important side effect of Aspirin and other NSAIDS is that it will inhibit cartilage repair and accelerate cartilage destruction ( Journal of Rheumatology, 1982; 9: 3- 5 ). Many times people take NSAIDS for the pain of Arthritis, not realizing these drugs may make the underlying condition worse. These medications cover up the pain, and cause the problem to worsen.
Pain can often be the result of the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Vertebral Subluxation ( 慥SC?, 憇ubluxation? )
Vertebral Subluxation is actually a quite common condition. Doctors of Chiropractic look for pathological conditions which may require referral to other specialties, and also look for 慡ubluxation? Other disciplines look for pathology, but overlook the importance of alignment and movement in the spine which affects our nervous system (the master control system- ALL health disciplines learn this). VSC- 慡ubluxation??can be the cause of many symptoms and conditions.
Only a Doctor of Chiropractic will evaluate and treat for VSC, as well as other pathology.
The course of VSC is highly variable. Some patients with VSC literally cannot walk, yet other patients with similar test findings may be able to run marathons or lift heavy weights. Some patients immediately develop symptoms related to the VSC, some patients take years to develop symptoms. Some people suffer for only a few days with pain and symptoms, some people suffer for months. Some people recover in days, some take months or years, depending upon severity of the condition.
A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position. When subluxated, joints are in a stressed, vulnerable, compromised condition. Subluxation may cause Arthritis, Disk Herniation, or aggravate such conditions.
Vertebral Subluxation cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone. Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction- - - a manipulation, best performed with the chiropractic adjustment.
Dr. Victor E. Dolan, Doctor of Chiropractic; Diplomat, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST Chief of Chiropractic in a Hospital in New York State (DHSI); As Seen in PREVENTION Magazine
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
揚inched Nerve?
( Also Known As- neuritis, neuralgia, brachial-neuritis, sciatica )
損inched nerve??is only ?a diagnosis,
WHAT is causing the 憄inch?
Your Doctor of Chiropractic will examine and evaluate you to make sure you are not showing signs of neurological damage or disease, tumors, cancers, severe pathology, perhaps a Herniated Disc, or a Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Sometimes we can wake up with a 憄inched nerve?
or a muscle spasm.... sometimes a slip, trip,
fall,
heavy lift, or even a motor vehicle accident can cause a 憄inched nerve? Very often - the true c a u s e of the pinched nerve, painor numbness in the: neck and/ or shoulder and/ or arm and/ or hand; pain in the back and/ or buttock/ hip/ leg/ knee/ foot - is a misalignment, a 慿ink?in the neck or back - more properly termed a Vertebral Subluxation.
Vertebral Subluxation Complex (a.k.a. 憇ubluxation?
The vertebral subluxation complex is the underlying cause of many healthcare problems.
A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
This is a serious condition identified by its five parts:
Spinal Kinesiopathology:
This is fancy way of saying the bones of the spine have lost their normal motion and position. It restricts your ability to turn and bend. It sets in motion the other four components.
Neuropathophysiology:
Improper spinal function can choke, stretch, or irritate delicate nerve tissue. The resulting nerve system dysfunction can cause symptoms elsewhere in the body.
Myopathology:
Muscles supporting the spine can weaken, atrophy, or become tight and go into spasm. The resulting scar tissue changes muscle tone, requiring repeated spinal adjustments.
Histopathology:
A rise in temperature from an increase in blood and lymph supplies result in swelling and inflammation. Discs can bulge, herniate, tear, or degenerate. Other soft tissues may suffer permanent damage.
Pathophysiology:
The VSC contributes to OsteoArthritic degeneration. Bone spurs and other abnormal bony growths attempt to fuse malfunctioning spinal joints. This spinal decay, scar tissue, and long-term nerve dysfunction can cause other systems of the body to malfunction.____________________
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position.
Automobile accidents, improper lifting, improper posture, alcohol, emotional stress, chemical imbalances, and long periods of sitting can cause the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Vertebral Subluxation cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone. Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction- - - a manipulation, best performed with the chiropractic adjustment. For good health-
Treat the Cause, not just the Symptoms.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Again, thank you for the additional information.
Looks like that fall on to your face initiated changes in your face/ head/ cervical spine causing you the symptoms you curently are experiencing. Your family Doctor of Chiropractic should be a good place for evaluation and treatment.
And if you need even further,,, do not hesitate to REcontact me here at AllExperts.
http://www.allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC-DACBSP.htm
Wishing you Good Luck, Good Health, and health improvement,
your Internet Chiropractic Staten Island Expert,
Dr. Victor Dolan, DC DACBSP
http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com - - -- - Email NewsLetter
