Question
For the last 5 days when I lower my chin, I feel a radiating numbness from my hip area down past my knees in both legs.  It is much more pronounced when I am sitting but also occurs when standing. I thought it was just a pinched nerve but it doesn't seem to be easing up.  Should I consult my doctor?

Answer
Dear Shelley,

Pinched nerves don't necessarily ease up.  It's not a question of the nerves easing up, but of the muscles involved in pinching the nerves relaxing.  Habitual tension patterns tend to persist unless changed through movement education -- which is more, by the way, than telling a person how they should move, strengthening or stretching; it's a brain-muscle retraining process to improve control and coordination.

From your description, I'd infer that your whole spinal musculature is in a state of contraction, particulary your neck.  Please see articles at somatics.com/page4.htm.

You might consult with your doctor to rule out any condition that might call for urgent surgical intervention (such as a torn disc).  Having done that, arrange sessions with a clinical somatic educator (see somatics.com for a list).

with regard,
Lawrence Gold