Question
I have been having problems with my arms getting numb now for over a year.  I have been to several doctors who did tests on the nerves in my arms, x-rays of my neck, spine and shoulders.  They even did cat scans.
They could find nothing that explained the problem.  The best they had to offer was it may be related to carpal tunnel syndrome.  For the past month the problem has gotten worse.  My right arm has a stabbing pain in the upper arm just below my shoulder.  My entire arm constantly tingles, the same sensation you get when you hit your "crazy bone".
Is this something that a chiroprator could help with?  I do not know anything about chiropratic medicine, but some friend suggested I go see a chiroprator.  I have always been under the impression that they are "quacks".  Do you have any advice?
thanks
Jeff

Answer
Jeff,

Thanks for the question. Yes this is a problem that I routinely see and resolve in my office. Given the fact that you have ruled out any disc involvement or other structural nerve compromise, this is an easy diagnosis.  Carpal Tunnel syndrome does not cause upper arm pain.  It is confined to the carpal tunnel, which is at the wrist.  What you are experiencing I have seen hundreds of times over my career and heard the same scenario.

This is normally caused by mid to lower cervical spine dysfunction which leads to "subclinical nerve irritation".  In other words, it is not the disc or bony structures causing nerve irritation, it is more like a tug on the nerve or simply irritation and inflammation from the surrounding structures.  Normally a course of cervical manipulation and some therapy will take care of the problem. You will have to be patient though.  If it has been going on over a year, it will take some time and treatment to correct.

As for your "impression" that chiropractors were quacks. It is not totally unfounded.  There have been and still are some serious quacks out there in chiropractic.  But there are quacks in medicine, dentistry, podiatry, auto repair, and plumbing as well.  I think you answered my question with your comment, "I do not know anything about chiropractic".  The vast majority people who have the impression that chiropractic is quackery, have never been to a chiropractor and don't know anything about it.

My advice is to consult with a reputable chiropractor in your area and see what they think.  If you have any questions after that, let me know and I would be more than happy to give you my opinion regarding their treatment plan.

I hope this helps and I hope you do well.

Merry Christmas,

Dr. Boss