Numbness & Tingling Brooklyn, NY
- Nerve Source Evaluation
- Neck & Low Back Focus
- Neuropathy Care Program
Dr. Brian Donovan takes numbness seriously because it tells them straight that he needs to look past the muscles and see what’s actually the root cause of the issue. In his own words, he says, ” I cater to patients who arrive at my Nuro Chiropractic clinic in Brooklyn. They may be experiencing pain and tingling in many ways, and I help them get the relief they need.
Some patients tell me their hands feel like there are needles everywhere. It can be a burning feeling, like they’ve been electrocuted while their limbs don’t feel normal. Some of the biggest misconceptions out there are that a buzzing sensation can automatically mean a pinched nerve, but it does not.
Distribution Is the First Clue
Where the symptoms sit tells me about a great deal before any testing starts.
Neck Into the Arm or HandCervical radiculopathy is one possible cause, but similar symptoms can also result from peripheral nerve entrapments, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or ulnar nerve compression at the elbow. Identifying the source of the symptoms is important because each condition may require a different approach to treatment.
Low Back or Buttock Into the LegLumbar radiculopathy is part of a possible diagnosis. Not every tingling leg is sciatica, and not every numb foot starts in the lumbar spine.
Both Feet, Fairly SymmetricalA stocking-like pattern across both feet raises an entirely different set of questions. That makes me more suspicious of peripheral neuropathy than a single compressed nerve.
How I Evaluate Numbness and Tingling in Brooklyn
- 1 I will map out the area where the tingling sensation starts, then assess the patient’s range of motion and reflexes when appropriate.
- 2 Run relevant neurological tests that look for patterns that separate the peripheral nerve from the root nerve. He may also look for a cause that’s not even musculoskeletal at all.
- 3 The doctor will examine one area when needed because tingling in the hands may mean checking other areas like the cervical spine instead of just treating the area where the pain is felt.
- 4 Look for consistency. I do not rely on one positive test, but instead, I check the reflexes of the patient as well as their medical history for more information.
X-rays can show degenerative changes in the bones, and the digital types are available in our office. However, the results from this alone may not determine whether a nerve is functioning properly. If the doctor suspects a structural issue, he may order an MRI to get a detailed view. The EMG will help determine where the symptoms are coming from whether they’re from a peripheral nerve or if they’re caused by a more severe condition.
Treatment Depends Entirely on the Cause
- If it involves a mild root irritation, I will select the appropriate treatments, including chiropractic techniques, mobility work, activity modification, soft-tissue treatment, and progressive rehabilitation to address this.
- I will also use certain disc-related lumbar radiculopathies: spinal decompression when clinically appropriate.
- Peripheral nerve entrapment: This one focuses on the specific site of the irritation as well as addressing repetitive activities that may cause pain.
“If someone has a generalized peripheral neuropathy, repeatedly adjusting their spine is not going to address an underlying systemic cause.”
Dr. Brian Donovan, D.C.Occasional mild tingling can be felt by patients, but when they’re progressively losing their strength when gripping, or they begin to drop objects repeatedly, these symptoms may need an MRI. The doctor may also need electrodiagnostic testing for those who find it hard to walk, and they may call a neurologist or other specialist to actually know what’s going on.
Symptoms That Need Emergency Care
If a patient suddenly feels numbness on one side of their body along with facial drooping, confusion, vision changes, difficulty speaking, a loss of coordination, and severe dizziness, these symptoms generally mean a stroke, and they need to go to a hospital. Loss of bowel movement or rapidly progressing weak legs may also require emergency assessment.
Significant neck symptoms occurring alongside difficulty in walking or if there are balance problems can point to spinal cord problems. They need prompt medical evaluation, and it’s important to recognize them quickly before they get worse.
Numbness and Tingling FAQs
Does numbness always mean nerve damage?
No. Numbness doesn’t automatically mean that something is affecting a nerve sensation, but it doesn’t automatically mean damage. There are plenty of causes, like irritation, and the pain may settle once the source is addressed. What the doctor looks for are the changes during examination as they can distinguish a symptom from a clinical finding that may require further treatment.
Why do both my feet tingle?
Tingling sensations that affect both feet may indicate a problem with multiple nerves instead of just a single compressed one. If the symptoms appear, they may need further medical evaluation to know what’s causing this to determine which treatment is appropriate.
My hand goes numb at night. Is that my neck or my wrist?
Nighttime symptoms affecting the thumb and first two fingers may point to the wrist, while symptoms traveling down the arm may come from the neck. Tingling in the ring and little fingers can suggest nerve involvement at the elbow. Since these patterns are not always definitive, Dr. Donovan examines the entire limb to identify the likely source.
Can chiropractic care help numbness?
Chiropractic care may help when numbness is caused by a nerve root. If it stems from a systemic condition, a different type of medical evaluation may be needed. Identifying the cause first helps determine the right treatment.
Should I wait and see if it goes away?
Numbness that goes away after waking up from an awkward sleeping position usually doesn’t require a clinic appointment. However, if there’s persistent numbness, this should be evaluated as soon as possible because it may require medical evaluation.
Finding the Why Comes Before Choosing the Treatment
Numbness tells us that something is affecting sensation, but they do not explain the cause. The symptoms could come from a generalized neuropathy or another condition. A thorough examination helps determine where the problem is coming from, whether there is measurable nerve loss, and whether chiropractic care is appropriate.
Nuro Chiropractic, 9408 4th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209. Serving Bay Ridge, Staten Island, Bensonhurst, Park Slope, Prospect Park, Borough Park, Manhattan, Dyker Heights, Williamsburg, and the greater Brooklyn area.