Question
I recently spent 8 hours on an overnight plane trip, 3 hours sitting in an airport, and another hour on a plane to get home. Since then, I have noticed tingling and numbness in both legs from the knee down - it feels like they're half asleep. There's no pain, but it's now been 5 days with no change. My doctor had an ultrasound done to rule out DVT, and there's no swelling or other indication that there's anything wrong with my legs. Could this be some kind of nerve compression from sitting for so long on a plane? What would you recommend for my next step?

Answer
Hi Ruth,

If you have DVT ruled out, then the next logical diagnostic possibility is mild nerve compression.   You may have a bulging disc in your lower lumbar spine, or you sat on your sciatic nerves (which run under your buttock muscles) for too long, compressing them.    If it's the latter, then likely your condition will alleviate with time and some massage to that area.   If it's the former, then let the chiropractor evaluate it and try a few weeks of treatment.   If it will respond to the chiropractic care, it will happen within a week or two (not a month or two...).  

Dr. G'