Question
Hi,

I'm curious on chiropractic and acupuncture, and if they can possibly solve my condition.  What is the difference between the two?

I'm experiencing something that is quite unusual, which is left side numbness and weakness of face, left arm and left leg, after exercise. And only when cooling off after exercise. All tests done to me by doctors indicate I am healthy and nothing is wrong.

Would appreciate any reply. Thank you.

Javier Lao
Austin, TX

Answer
Dear Javier,

Thank you for question and it is great to hear from a fellow Texan.  I am right down the road in Boerne, just north of San Antonio.  

This is a curious problem. My first concern would be circulatory in nature because the problem occurs when cooling down, but since you have had this ruled out, then it must be of a nervous system origin.  When I say this, I mean that a nerve must be irritated with the activity and then causes the symptoms.   

Initially, I would say that chiropractic evaluation would be your best bet since you have ruled everything else out.  I recommend seeing a chiropractor for an examination to determine if you have any mechanical pressures from the spine or sacroiliac region causing irritation on the lumbar or sciatic nerves.  This would result in the symptoms you are having.  If not, then acupuncture would be the route to take.

My other concern is a Raynaud's type problem which is a vascular problem that is intermittent but normally manifests in the hands and feet.  The fact that your face and whole left side is involved concerns me about your head.  Have they done a CT scan of your head to rule out anything strange going on?

Please let me know of any further findings and I would be happy to try to help.  

Dr. Boss