QuestionHi,
I have been experiencing right arm numbness and heaviness for about one month now, it comes and goes. It feels like my arm weighs 20 lbs. I do carry around a 19 lb child all day. I have had all the test run at the Er (x-ray, ekg, bloodwork) except CT and MRI. They told me I had myalgia with no explanation for the nausea. I then went to see a chiropractor who told me I have a few pinched nerves from motorcycle and car accidents. Are these common symptoms of pinched nerves?
Answerright arm numbness, nausea, pinched nerves, Staten Island Pinched Nerve,
Hello Lina,
I am sorry to hear of your complaint. Thank You for the question! If I miss answering your question--- or if I do not give enough information,,,, do not hesitate to REcontact me here at AllExperts.com!! = http://www.allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC-DACBSP.htm
This could be a 'pinched nerve'. your primary complaint- right arm pain/ numbness/ heaviness/ comes and goes--- could be a 'pinched nerve'. Your nausea could be secondary to that complaint- pain/ numbness/ etc. could cause anxiety, nausea, depression, other symptoms secondary to the arm problem.
If you complained ONLY of right arm pain/ numbness/ heaviness, I would recommend an Xray, a Chiropractic evaluation and then probably a trial of Chiropractic care. Arm pain/ numbness, a 'pinched nerve' is VERY common to the Chiropractic office. The nausea does add to the stew, however.
If there was only the arm symptoms; Xray, physical exam, and a trial of chiropractic care would be a-okay. With the nausea, I might also recommend some scout bloodwork (blood tests), perhaps a neck and or head MRI, perhaps an EMG/ncv test of your upper extremities.
With that nausea-- I want to make sure you do not have something metabolic/ organic going on. Do you have ANY other symptoms?- fatigue, headaches, vision changes? I would like to SEE the results of the tests you have had prior- that includes Blood tests, Xray, MRI or CT scans.
You state, "....I have been experiencing right arm numbness and heaviness for about one month now, it comes and goes......". What happened a month or two ago?, any type of trauma?, slip/ trip/ fall/ heavy lift/ motor vehicle accident/, even just sleep wrong and have a stiff neck prior to your pinched nerve symptoms?
What changed a month or two ago? Could this have caused your current condition? Are things getting better or worse? What causes it to get better or worse?
"....I do carry around a 19 lb child all day.....", is this your baby? Did you 'inherit' this baby from somewhere? Of course, as time goes on- the baby (congratulations) gets bigger and bigger, we get older and older, carrying the baby gets tougher and tougher on us. Does carrying the child seem to aggravate your condition? Do you switch hands?, can you put the baby in a stroller, transport the baby in a different manner?
"....I have had all the test run at the Er (x-ray, ekg, bloodwork) except CT and MRI.....", have you brought these test results to your Doctor of Chiropractic? You state 'ER', I assume you went to the Emergency Department--- why?, why the emergency room? Did you have some sudden crisis that necessitated an emergency visit? What did your family MD have to say about your current condition?
"....They told me I had myalgia with no explanation for the nausea.....", myalgia?= muscle pain?= due to what ?, what is causing this 'myalgia', sounds like a description of symptoms, not a bona fide diagnosis, and then no mention/ explanation of the nausea,,, some explanation or further investigation is merited.
".....I then went to see a chiropractor who told me I have a few pinched nerves from motorcycle and car accidents.....", for the 'pinched nerve' diagnosis this is an adequate causative agent; but again we run into that nausea symptom. Some explanation, some further evaluation of that symptom is needed. Did you have your MVA (car accident(s) ) recently? Is this a progression of symptoms from prior injury/ accident?
"....Are these common symptoms of pinched nerves?.....", certainly are!- numbness/ heaviness/ tingling/ pain/ electric shock type pain could be/ is consistent with a 'pinched nerve', a radiculopathy, a neuritis or a radiculitis.
I recommend a thorough examination by your local Doctor of Chiropractic. Given your symptoms you may even want to see a Chiropractic Neurologist for a complete chiropractic neurological examination. Websites to visit:
Types of Chiropractic Doctor- http://www.acatoday.org/pdf/ApprovedChiropracticSpecialtyPrograms.pdf
Chiropractic Neurology - http://www.acnb.org/
Chiropractic Neurology Doctors: www.LifeChangingCare.com
In my Staten Island Chiropractic office there are informational handout sheets that I hand out, these may be helpful to you:
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.
I hope that is helpful, this may also be informative:
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.
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.
-----
Dr. Victor E. Dolan, Doctor of Chiropractic; Diplomate, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomate, 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
Be careful of using pain medications--- there are complications and side effects:
PAIN
Pain is a 憆ed light on the dashboard?
Pain is your body telling you that something is wrong.
Think you should listen??
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?
Pain Killing medication??? = 16,000 deaths ( probably under-reported )
DEATH ! ? ! ? better watch out on those medications!!!
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) ;
SIXTEEN THOUSAND DEATHS: "Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective medications for the treatment of many chronically painful medical conditions. However, it is estimated that 25% of all serious adverse drug reactions involve NSAIDs, with more than 100,000 hospitalizations and 16,000 deaths occurring annually due to NSAID-induced gastrointestinal (GI) events."----- http://hhc.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/13/6/468 Home Health Care Management & Practice, Vol. 13, No. 6, 468-475 (2001) Motrin, Advil = NSAIDS
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; Diplomate, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomate, 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 , Invited to Colorado Springs (Olympic Training Center) to Care for USA Olympic Athletes 2010
I hope this helps, if you need further information, do not hesitate to REcontact me here at AllExperts.com
Thank You for the question, your Staten Island Chiropractic Friend,
Dr. Victor Dolan, DC
Email Newsletter..........http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com
Dr. Victor E. Dolan, Doctor of Chiropractic; Diplomat, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); Manipulation Under Anesthesia Proctor, Certified Emergency Medical Technician - NYS and National Registry, FIRST Chief of Chiropractic in a Hospital in New York State (DHSI); As Seen in PREVENTION Magazine , Invited to Colorado Springs (Olympic Training Center) to Care for USA Olympic Athletes 2010
