Numbness started in arms and legs after treatment

[FeelingChiropracticSymptoms01]

I just had my 9th chiropractic adjustment.  My original complaints were torn Meniscus Tendon in the knee, and possible muscular strain or tear in elbow muscles.  I fell at work, injured my knee and my neck and back were shaken up, but no symptoms afterwards.  However, limping due to knee injury and the use of a cane caused my body to be thrown off balance, the other knee cap to start hurting because of excessive pressur on it, a tennis elbow which hurts me terribly, and eventually pains in shoulder and neck on side that I used cane.  

I started going to the chiropractor to help me relieve the pains in my body and to heal.  However, after adjustment #8, I noticed that my hand on the side I have the tennis elbow started to feel numb and tingle from just above elbow down to fingers, the leg on same side also feel numb and tingle from just above the knee down to the toes, and some tingling sensation on chest on same side.  After adjustment #9, I noticed that the numbness and tingling got worst on same side, but also started in hand and leg on the other side.  What does this mean?

I notice that there is a certain adjustment the chiropractor does to the opposite side of my neck that I don't like, because it is not only uncomfortable but painful.  What should I do about this?  Should I continue the treatment?  Are these sensations normal?  I would appreciate an urgent answer, because I don't want to ignore anything and then end up a broken neck or other nerve injuries.  Thanks for your help.

[FeelingChiropracticSymptoms01]

Thanks for the information.  This guy sounds like he knows what he is doing.  He method sounds comparable to my old chiropractor.  

[allmymarbles]

Craig O'Connell, Hamden Connecticut. That is west of New Haven, so it is pretty far up. He does not lie you down and crack your spine. Before he even touches you he relaxes your body completely so that you turn to jello. And after that he is very gentle. Also, he tends to make his adjustments in stages. What one chiropractor might try to accomplish in one visit with a  massive adjustment, he may stretch out to several sessions, depending on the nature of the problem. The results are lasting and there is no trauma.

[FeelingChiropracticSymptoms01]

Thanks for your response, Caregiver222.  

Your sound knowedgeable about chiropractors vs. MDs.  I can only hope damages were not done to my nerves.  I never had tingling and numbness in my arm and legs before, and recently biting pins and needles sensations in my palm, fingers, and toes.  Now, I have to do more then just take care of the original pains I went to the chiropractor about.  I have to now find out why I am having those numbness, tingling, and pins and needles feelings.  More problem and expenses for me.   And it may be difficult to get an MRI approved by Workers' Comp, considering that I never complained about my back before, even though pains developed later in my neck and shoulders.  

My original complaints were a torn menisus and cartiladge in one knee, pains in the arm, elbow and wrist, and pain and stiffness in my neck and shoulder all on the opposite side of the knee injury.  Additionally, the other knee that I am putting too much pressure on has began to hurt worst that the original knee that was injured..

All I want is to get better to return to work, even if it means operation on the bad knee, and whatever I need to recouperate.  Now everything seem to have become more complicated.  

Thanks very much for your help.

.  

[caregiver222]

A torn miniscus has nothing whatsoever to do with spinal manipulation.

You require a 3T MRI of the knee.

X-rays of the head and back are fairy useless, unless you want to increase your risks of cancer. The appropriate imaging tool is the MRI.

Spinal manipulation can cause damage to the nerves.

My opinion of most chiropractors is that they represent a class of just-missed, wannabees, and has-beens who could not get into medical school, and on balance, should be banned from practicing "medicine". But that's just me. I'm sure that there is someone out there who has been cured of cancer by a chiropractor and another one who cured quadraplegia.

Square one is that the x-ray is an obsolete tool for evaluation of the spine and chiropractors do not generally have access to an MRI.

There is value in medical massage, and there are physicians who have an M.D. who practice massage and manipulation, guided by the medical training and experience of an M.D.

[FeelingChiropracticSymptoms01]

Thank you so much Allmymarbles.  

I was really impressed by your daughter's experience, where a chiropractor cured her from a semi-invalid condition.  What I was really impressed by, was the fact that you tried out others, and found that they hurt your neck and back.  And now she travels some distance to see this single chiropractor.

I like your term - ham-fisted.  Yes, I believe my chiropractor is rough, and I proved it again.  I went back to her to discuss what I have problems with, and she did the same adjustment I don't like, and you know what, the numbness and tingling that were lessening when she did other manipulations just came flooding back again.  Of course, her explanation is that my body is freeing up, which is why I get various symptoms, that they would eventually go away, and that her aggressive treatments bring quick results.  .

I told her I want to get a second opinion and that x-rays and neck/back range of motion measurments were taken, to which she responded that those others who do high ended evaluations would cost me too much money, that her technique does work, and that she does not do chiropractic for money, but to help others.  You know, it's all about what she thinks and not what the patient desires or can accommodate.  So she want's to know if I would be leaving her to go to the other chiropractor.  Of course I could not give her an answer, because the other chiropractor haven't adjusted me as yet, so there was nothing to measure them by.  But I would be seeing them next week to get their evaluation of my condition.

I am not in Connecticut, but in Brooklyn, and it would be difficult for me to travel there several times per week for treatment.  However, you could still give me his information in case I need it.  I will continue seeking a chiropractor who is not ham-fisted (but gentle - the way I like it), who can help me.  My first chiropractor some 15 years ago was gentle, and he did wonders for me.  I sang his praises for many years after that, but he left NY and went California.

Thanks again for your help.  

[allmymarbles]

Proper chiropractic manipulations do not cause pain. Get away from this ham-fisted creature ASAP. If you are in Connecticut I can recommend a fine practitioner who has served our family for 20 years, the same man who cured my invalid daughter. We brought her to him on an April day and that summer she was riding a bicycle. He didn't cause pain. He removed pain.

[gymdandee]

It was a Dell desk top! I got a Blue screen and recommended to update drivers and all was good until my wife said the printer doesn't work. I couldn't uninstall the printer and couldn't install the printer software. I figured I'll do system restore did that and no printer and no mouse!! everything on the pc is plug and play all the usb's work but the mouse and printer won't work. My friend works for the school district taking care of all the pc's and never had such a problem and couldn't fix it. I decided to wipe everything and reinstall Windows that fixed it permanently now nothing works I couldn't install Windows. I have an external HD
so nothing is lost. I bought a laptop and new printer.  

[Paxiled]

Yeah, my health plan barely covers a little chiropractic, and no osteopathy.  In fact, their only DO is a primary care physician who does no osteopathy.  Glad you got the second opinion, and I hope it all works out.  I'm also trying to avoid surgery for a meniscus, but in my case, while the orthopedist said I had one and needed surgery, the radiologist couldn't find one on the MRI and a physiatrist couldn't find one either, so I've got mixed diagnoses.  If I knew for sure I had a torn meniscus, as I said, if it's in the part that gets no blood flow, I don't know that there's any cure for it, but if it's in the corners where there is blood flow, there are procedures that might fix it over time because it can heal.  At least, that's what I learned after I got all the conflicting diagnoses.  I always say, once you have to see docs, you're in trouble!  You just do the best you can do.  Gym, is it a notebook or a desktop?  I've never used a mouse, since I've only owned a notebook.  If it uses a touchpad, as notebooks do, I think they're easier than a mouse -- more control over the cursor.

[FeelingChiropracticSymptoms01]

Thanks.  I will check it out.

[gymdandee]

If I recall in N.Y. Comp. will cover the DO visit.
Ask your Orthopedic if he/she knows of Doctor Alfred Tria

[FeelingChiropracticSymptoms01]

Wow.  I am so grateful to get so many responses and explaining so many things I was ignorant about.  Thank you all.

With regards to whether the chiropractor I am now seeing is a traditional bone cracker, I must say that she stretches my arms and legs, tries to mobilize, stretch and crack all the joints, which are all my fingers, elbows and shoulders, feet and toes.  I don't know if that is a good thing, because I have heard so many thing being said about the popping sound of the shoulder joints, and I don't know if stretching all the fingers are good, but they don't hurt me, and I think it may be good to stretch the body out.  

But what I did not like was the manipulation she did which I believed caused my problem.  She pulled my body almost half way over the bed so it was hanging, held my neck and pulled it to the side as much as she could.  She did the same with my leg up into the air in a stooping position, where I held my knees close to my chest, and pulled my neck to the side as far as possible.  Those are the manipulations I found to be uncomfortable and painful, and I reacted by throwing my arms up in the air trying catch my balance and prevent being pulled too far over, which she said could hurt her instead.  That maneuver was the last done before I felt the numbness begin.  

I took the advice of everyone, and went to a chiropractic center for a second opinion.  Immediately they tested for range of motion of my neck and spine, which I believe may be the same heat sensors that test whether the nerve impulses are equal on both sides of the spine, as mentioned by Paxiled.  They also did an X-ray of my spine, and I have another appointment next week Monday to let me know the results.  I am anxious to hear what their findings are.  They said that and x-ray was the first that should have been done before any chiropractor had touched me, and I remember my first chiropractor who I saw some 15 years ago did exactly that.  

I think my current chiropractor may be overstepping herself her somewhat, because she is advising me against knee surgery, which may be going too far.  When I asked the other second opinion chiropractors about this, they were more objective, and explained that the body has been known to help itself heal as spinal alignment are done and the nerves readjust themselves.  My feeling is that anything is possible.  But I am not counting on that, and if I need to do the surgery, then I will do it, especially since the pain in the knee is persistent, and according to my Orthopedic doctor, the cartilage and meniscus tear may worsen over time with continued use of the knee.  By the way, it would be Arthroscopic surgery that will be done on the knee, and the torn Meniscus and Cartilage were determined by an MRI.

I did take Gymdandee's advice and contacted an Osteopathic physician, but he is too expensive for me at this time, and I am not sure if Workers Comp will pay.  However, I am not ruling anything out.

I was so happy that your guys explained what "osteopathy" is, and what I need to know about chiropractors.  I appreciate that very much.  I am still feeling the numbness, especially in my fingers, and will continue to communication to the Forum how I am progressing with my situation.  

Thanks you all so much for your help.  

[gymdandee]

Should you decide on surgery for your knee I would recommend the doctor that replaced both my knees. His office is in N.J. about an hour and a half from the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.
He has been on CBS TV Numerous times and won't operate unless he thinks it's necessary.
My scares are only about 3" long and hardly visible. If you would like Information just message me.
Hi Marbles, you're absolutely right Sorry! :>)
They have the same rights but not an MD.

Osteopathic medicine is a branch of the medical profession in the United States, with recognition outside the US in forty-seven countries, including most Canadian provinces.
Frontier physician Andrew Taylor Still founded the profession as a radical rejection of the prevailing system of medical thought of the 19th century. Still's techniques relied heavily on the manipulation of joints and bones to diagnose and treat illness, and he called his practices "osteopathy". By the middle of the 20th century, the profession had moved closer to mainstream medicine, adopting modern public health and biomedical principles. American "osteopaths" became "osteopathic physicians", gradually achieving full practice rights as medical doctors in all 50 states, including serving in the US armed forces as physicians.
In the 21st century, the training of osteopathic physicians in the United States is very similar to that of their MD counterparts. Osteopathic physicians attend 4 years of medical school followed by at least 3 years of residency. They use all conventional methods of diagnosis and treatment. Though still trained in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM), the modern derivative of Still's techniques, a minority of osteopathic physicians use it in actual practice.
Osteopathic medicine is considered by some in the United States to be both a profession and a social movement, especially for its historically greater emphasis on primary care and holistic health.

[allmymarbles]

I think you mean a DO, not an OD. A DO is a physician who has studied under a different discipline. He has the same rights and privileges as an MD, My husband's primary care physician is an DO and part of his insurance network. (New York)

[gymdandee]

Hello Pax,
Sorry, But Osteopath's aren't MD's The OD's I've been to have all kinds of device's for making adjustments.
P.S.I don't know how it is in Virginia, but in N.Y. and N.J. OD's aren't M.D.s
I had to buy a new pc do you know what it's like to operate a pc without a mouse?

[Paxiled]

I've been to several chiropractors in my life.  What I can tell you is that none of them can do anything about a truly torn meniscus -- the knee has nothing whatsoever to do with the spinal column.  I would also be very careful about any adjustment that's painful.  I had a bone cracker like that once, and I just stopped going.  The three others I've seen are all very gentle, and if anything needs to be forced to crack, they don't do the adjustment, they wait until it eases up.  If it doesn't ease up, they admit they can't help.  You also sound like you're seeing a very traditional chiropractor.  Many chiropractors go beyond that in their studies and techniques, and I've personally found they're better than the pure crackers.  If they just do spinal cracking, the most they can do is marginally help the flexibility of the spine, which is a good thing, but if they also know pressure points and certain stretches they can perform a combination of chiropractic and something like physical therapy and massage techniques as well, which tend to be more gentle than trying to force a very tight spot to crack.  So for two reasons, I wouldn't see this person again -- first, saying they help the knee, which they aren't trained to do, and second, forcing an adjustment that doesn't want to be made.  As for Gymdandee, I love him to pieces, but he's very biased in favor of traditional medicine.  An osteopath doesn't learn anything a chiropractor doesn't learn when it comes to adjustments, and having an MD doesn't make someone reliable anymore than being a chiropractor makes one reliable.  It isn't the title that's as important as using that as a starting point.  Because an osteopath acquires an MD, most of their education is focused on medication, not adjustments, whereas that's the focus of a chiropractic education, but again, anyone with any degree can be a quack or good at what they do.  Again, just personally speaking, I think the great majority of people aren't very good at what they do, it's in the nature of things that certain people find their niche and others just do things to make money.  We're not always good at what we end up studying in school, but we don't find out until we're out of school.  Medicine is an art, so far, as we simply lack the information about the body and the brain to know enough to move it further than that at this point.  As for your particular problems, there is some evidence that physical therapy might help your knee, but it depends on where the tear is.  If it's in the part where no blood flows, then there probably is no cure and you'll probably need surgery.  Only an MRI and certain manipulations will tell you if it's a meniscus tear and where it is.  Likewise with the back, xrays only tell you so much, MRIs plus xrays tell you a lot more.  But many chiropractor don't believe in xrays or MRIs for their treatment; they see them as more important to see if the problem exceeds what a chiropractor can accomplish.  Other tests they can use are heat sensors that test whether the nerve impulses are equal on both sides of the spine, and just using hands on to see where it hurts and seeing if adjustments help.  Whatever you do, good luck.  Like you, I have several physical ailments, and that does make it harder to treat because they do cross-affect one another.

[FeelingChiropracticSymptoms01]

No, the Chiroprator did not take any X-rays as yet, even though she indicated that the x-rays needed to be done.  

I have been seeing a Orthopedic doctor about my knee injury (torn meniscus and cartilage) who wants to operate to repair the tear, but my chiroprator believes I don't need to operate as the chiropratic treatment should help it to heal.  I don't know how correct that is.

I am also a bit weary about chiropractors, as some seem to be more heavy handed than others.  However, in all fairness, I went to a chiropractor before this one, and he was very gentle.  I got good results from him, and the symptoms resulting from my accident then, along with others I was experiencing before the accident totally disappeared.  However, after he left and I went to another, I found I could not bear to have the new chiropractor adjust my neck, because he was too rough, and I felt like he would break it.  So I stopped going, since the problems were better.

Unfortunately, I am feeling insecure about this new chiroprator, since she is also heavy handed.  And the numbness and tingling I am feeling just don't feel right.  So I will take all advice I am getting and go to another chiropractor, Osteopathic doctor and possible a Neurologist for a second opinion and getting some tests done.  I will also look about getting an x-ray.  

Thank so much for your responses.  

[allmymarbles]

Chiropractors can range from marvelous to dangerous. It was a chiropractor that cured my  daughter who was a semi-invalid from ages eight to 12. Since we moved away and could no longer see him, I tested out three (on myself) to find a replacement. Two were ham-fisted and one I didn't trust. One sprained my neck and one my back. Now she travels to to see the one who cured her when she can. She is now an adult and fully functioning, but has some residual problems due the delay in appropriate treatment resulting from wrong diagnoses on the part of pediatric specialists.

[gymdandee]

Personally I don't like Chiropractors (not MD). If anything see an Osteopathic Dr.
I suggest seeing a Neurologist and getting tests.

[allmymarbles]

Has your chiropractor taken X-rays? If there has been damage to any of the bones he should not be making adjustments.