Question
I have osteoarthritis in my neck and lower spine. I just moved and as the days progress my right leg keeps going further into numbness. Is there an exercise I can do to alleviate this discomfort? I am 63 years old and in good health otherwise.

Answer
Dear Judy,

Having arthritis of the spine does not necessarily mean that you will have symptoms from it.  However, you are definitely at an increased risk.

Concerning the numbness, it can be the result of nerve root encroachment in the low back, sacroilliac dysfunction, myofascial pain referral, disk bulges, spinal stenosis, facet joint (spinal joint) pain referal or just a functional imbalance.  You really need to find out what the actual problem is before I could recommend any specific type of exercises, because certain exercise protocols are designed to affect specifc anatomical structures.

What I would recommend is that you seek out a musculoskeletal expert like a chiropractic physician to perform a functional examination of the lowback, and hip as these are the most likley areas responsible for your leg numbness.  Symptoms such as you have described can come from the neck as well, but this is less likely.  The examination should include orthopedic test of the low back and hip, neurological testing of sensation, and active range of motion. The doctor may take x-rays or order an MRI if indicated to properly visualize the spinal structures.  If nothing substantial is found to explain your symptoms, then a neck examination would be appropriate.

Good Luck Judy,

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net