QuestionQUESTION: I have been experiencing leg pain for over a year now- the pain is in both legs (it comes and goes) and it occurs in both the upper and lower leg- most often on the posterior side. The pain is typically a quick 'pinch' that is best described by comparing it to that of when a needle is inserted into your arm to take blood. I have sciatica and it is nothing like that pain (the quick zap of pain that knocks my knee out from under me). I also experience these pains (not near as often) in my arms and have also been having sharp, stabbing pains in my head. I have been to the Dr for the leg pain numerous times and not ONCE has anyone physically looked at my legs. I have had X-rays of my lower back/spine that came back fine. I am scheduled for an MRI on 12 Jan 09. I am a healthy 34 y/o female, I don't drink soda or alcohol, I don't smoke and I eat a healthy well balanced diet and drink a minimum of 1/2 a gallon to one gallon of water a day. I drink one cup of half reg/half decaf coffee a day. I take a daily multi-vit (currently a prenatal vit b/c I am nursing my 5 mo old son), garlic, calcium citrate, and magnesium. These random pains have caused me to have anxiety (b/c I can't get any help figuring out what is causing them so without answers I unfortunately think it's something bad)...please, help! Thank you.
ANSWER: leg pain , bilateral leg pain , posterior leg pain , also in arms, occ in head, Xrays clear, MRI - where, coming up ,
Hello Susan,
Sorry to hear of your pains, anxiety, problems.
Pain over one year,,,,,,
Hmmmmmmm It does not sound like your Doctor (Doctorssss?) is taking your concern seriously. Hopefully he(she) has not implied 'this is all in your head, my dear'.
You have been reporting pain for over a year, it is time to get an explanatory diagnosis, which needs a proper workup. Get away from your general practitioner and see someone with neurological credentials. A medical doctor with a neurology specialty (neurologist) is a good choice. A Doctor of Chiropractic with a neurology specialty would be a good choice ( http://www.acnb.org/ ).
You have diffuse symptoms (legs, arms, head). I do not blame your doctor(s) for not looking at your legs directly, because the diffuse symptoms show a central, radiating problem. Your leg problem could start in your low back; but the low back has nothing to do with the arm symptoms, nothing to do with the head symptoms. MRI of the lower back, or neck,,, is nice, but the place that controls the head, arms and legs is in the head--- the Brain. Your Neurologist (MD or DC) will probably recommend an MRI of your Brain.
A neurological examination would be my first recommendation. An MRI of your brain would be my second recommendation- given the symptoms you have described. These evaluations may elicit some peculiarities that require further investigation. If these exams do NOT elicit anything,,,, good! - the biggest, worst concerns could be eliminated (pathology within the brain).
I would recommend upper and lower EMG/ncv testing. This testing will also evaluate your nervous system, but separate, different from your brain. This testing could also elicit something, if it doesn't,,, good! - another pathology or group of pathologies eliminated.
As a Doctor of Chiropractic, I am initially interested in your symptoms and relationship to your nervous system. If we can eliminate nervous system pathology, then I may look for Vascular or metabolic reasons for your symptoms.
First, let's concentrate on the big bad nervous system pathologies.
Communicate with your doctors. Let them know of your concern. Get a diagnosis! Do not wait a year with vague analysis.
I have recommended a neurology specialty. Get a thorough physical examination by a hands on, in person specialist. Get the testing I've described. Rule out the big bad things, you will not be anxious, and if needed, proper treatment can be delivered.
I hope the above helps. If further info is needed, do not hesitate to
re-contact me here at AllExperts.com
( http://allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC-DACBSP.htm )
Thank You, Good Luck,
Dr. Victor Dolan, DC
http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com (email newsletter)
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thank you so much for your quick response Dr. Dolan. I am wondering if, not knowing what the cause is yet, is it safe to receive massage therapy? Also, where do I go to get these tests? Could I get a referral to a neurologist from my chiropractor? I never thought to ask my chircopractor about these leg pains- I did see him for the sciatica, but never thought to mention the leg pains to him.
AnswerHello again Susan,
Thank you for the followup questions.
Q) is it safe to receive massage therapy?
A) Yes, I think LICENSED massage therapy (LMT) is a safe modality, even before you have these tests. Licensed massage therapists have education and experience which helps prevent injury or complicating matters with their clients. Your LMT may even have some suggestions as to doctors or a guess at 'diagnosis' ( LMTs do NOT diagnose - - only MDs diagnose ) given what their experienced, sensitive hands feel.
Q) Also, where do I go to get these tests?
A) Perhaps; once you discuss your concerns with your Doctor of Chiropractic (DC); he(she) can order the tests for you. If not, your DC may refer you to a neurologist that he(she) has worked with before to perform or order the tests.
Q) Could I get a referral to a neurologist from my chiropractor?
A) Yes, perhaps referral is necessary in your state, perhaps not. Perhaps the DC can order or perform these tests. In my Staten Island Chiropractic office, I often refer for MRI of different body parts. I have ordered EMG/ncv, I also have worked with several local Neurologist MDs.
Q) I never thought to ask my chiropractor about these leg pains- I did see him for the sciatica,,,,
A) Your local Doctor of Chiropractic is a licensed Doctor, regardless
of your state. Certainly, do not be afraid to communicate with your DC !! Chiropractic has far-reaching effects upon our body- working as it does upon the nervous system. The nervous system is the MASTER system. Chiropractic can influence many body functions through the nerves.
I have some informational handout sheets I utilize in my office, again, these may be on point:
+++++++++++
HOMEOSTASIS
"Homeostasis" is the ability of a system to maintain itself.
Every Biology or Chemistry student knows the term 慼omeostasis?
The human body, given no interference, with proper input, is a homeostatic system. The human body can maintain itself as a healthy organism given proper input, proper support. Place stress on the system, have improper input, and the system becomes less efficient, goes 憃ut of balance? and eventually breaks down.
揌omeostasis? starts in our tiny cells!- yes, our cells maintain homeostasis. Our cells make up our tissues- our tissues have a certain BALANCE- our tissues endeavor to maintain homeostasis. Tissues build into an Organ- a heart, lung, intestine; yes even our organs have a homeostatic balance. Finally, these organs build into a body- US, you, me! Our Body has a homeostatic balance. Out of balance = out of health.
Homeostasis- for our body to thrive, rather than just survive, needs proper input: proper rest, exercise, diet, vitamins, water, clean air, and efficiently running cells, tissues, organs, systems. Any improper input or inefficiency will reduce homeostasis, reduce efficiency and eventually lead to a breakdown of the entire system.
All of our cells, tissues, organs have particular 'enemies'. For instance our diet could cause heart disease or high blood pressure: eating a poor diet leads to an inefficiency which ultimately leads to a breakdown in the system (our body).
Our nervous system also has an 'enemy' to homeostasis and efficient performance: the Vertebral Subluxation Complex (VSC). Improve efficiency, improve health by combating VSC!
Build health, improve health, 'do the right thing'; i.e.; eat correctly, take supplements as needed, proper rest, exercise, and keep your body working at improved efficiency- i.e.; chiropractic to remove nerve interference.
Building Heath- a history:
What ? ! , I have to brush my teeth!?,,, after EVERY meal ! ? ,,,,, For the REST of my life ! ? ! ... I don抰 want to. period. I won抰. To heck with it ! If I get a hole (cavity), THEN I抣l take care of it. Maybe I won抰 get any cavities anyway?.
It took the American Dental Association YEARS to educate people that they should brush frequently to avoid dental disease. It has taken YEARS to educate patients that visits to the Dentist for hygiene, cleanings, flossing, coatings, etc. are necessary to PREVENT dental problems. Some people still do not floss after every meal, some do not even brush often enough (yyyuuukkkk), so some people still have severe dental problems despite all the knowledge about PREVENTION and dental health maintenance that is out there. Can you believe it ?? !!
Some people have the same problem with PREVENTATIVE Spinal Health
that used to exist with preventative dental health. Some people come to the Doctor of Chiropractic and say, ?..do not adjust me, just give me therapy...? some people say,
?..What ? ! , I have to practice SPINAL HYGIENE !?!, (practice proper postures, proper movement patterns, and see the Chiropractor periodically !?!), Naahh, ... I don抰
want to. period. I won抰. To heck with it! When I get PAIN, then I抣l take care of it.
( pain is often the LAST symptom to appear- whether a cavity or a heart attack ! )
Nerve Interference- decreases your body's efficiency, decreases homeostasis, decreases health:
Vertebral Subluxation Complex (a.k.a. 憇ubluxation?(nerve interference)
The vertebral subluxation complex can be 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 (Subluxation) is a serious condition identified by its five parts:
Spinal Kinesiopathology, Neuropathophysiology, Myopathology, Histopathology, Pathophysiology.
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, massage, 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.
ONLY a Doctor of Chiropractic evaluates for the Vertebral Subluxation Complex, as well as other pathologies.
Chiropractic corrects the Vertebral Subluxation Complex. Chiropractic helps restore HOMEOSTASIS to the body. Chiropractic helps restore homeostatic balance to your nervous system--- the MASTER Control system.
You cannot be 慼ealthy?if you have a Subluxation. You cannot be 慼ealthy?if you are out of balance. You MAY feel it, with a pain, stiffness, or a 慿ink?in your neck/ back. You may NOT even feel it-
just as people often do not feel the cavity growing in their tooth,,,, until it hits the nerve; or you may not feel it at all, like people do not feel high blood pressure or diabetes until AFTER damage has been done!! PREVENTION- Visit the Doctor of Chiropractic REGULARLY,,, just like your dentist! (practice spinal hygiene as you do dental hygiene) -PREVENTION!-
Build health, build balance, help your body maintain homeostasis! Practice good spinal hygiene, just as you practice god dental hygiene. See your Doctor of Chiropractic for a preventive regimen of chiropractic, rather than waiting for pain or a problem ?wherever that pain/ problem/ condition may be expressed in your body.
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
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
揝ciatica?
( Also Known As- neuritis, neuralgia, sciatic-radiculitis ) (pain down the leg, with or without
back pain)
Sciatica can be caused by many different things. Big, BAD, catastrophic things like a tumor or a cancer can cause
Sciatica (only a proper exam by a licensed doctor, like your Doctor of Chiropractic, or your family Doctor of Medicine, can evaluate
your signs and symptoms, and perhaps refer for testing).
Big, bad things like a Herniated Disc, sciatica, possible fracture or dislocation can cause Sciatica (again, best evaluated by your DC or MD, and perhaps referral).
Bad things, like - Sprains, Strains, contusion, or Vertebral Subluxation Complex (all very efficiently diagnosed and treated by your Doctor Of Chiropractic. Sciatica can come
from a motor vehicle accident, sport injury, slip, trip, fall, arthritis, lifting improperly, or even bad posture in standing, sitting or sleeping. All of these things often have a Lumbar (Low Back) Vertebral Subluxation involved. Sometimes we can wake up with
憇ciatica? .... sometimes a slip, trip, fall, heavy lift, or even a motor vehicle accident can cause a 憇ciatica? Frequently- the true
c a u s e of the 憇ciatica? = pain in the lower back, buttock(s), thigh, calf and/or foot (even to toes); is a misalignment, a 慿ink?in the back- more properly termed a Vertebral Subluxation.
摂Sciatica敂 is only 1/2 a diagnosis .... what is causing the sciatica?
Vertebral Subluxation Complex (a.k.a. 憇ubluxation?
The vertebral subluxation complex is often the underlying cause of sciatica and 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 (subluxation) 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 (DHSI); As Seen in PREVENTION Magazine
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Again,
I hope the above helps. If further info is needed, do not hesitate to
re-contact me here at AllExperts.com
( http://allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC-DACBSP.htm )
Thank You, Good Luck,
Dr. Victor Dolan, DC
http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com (email newsletter)
