HEALTH & MEDICINE :: APRIL/MAY 2007
Why Can’t I Feel My Arms?: A Case Study of Numbness & Tingling
Almost everyone experiences numbness and tingling at one time or another. It may be a feeling of “pins and needles” or of having a hand or foot “fall asleep.” Numbness and tingling is often a temporary nuisance but can sometimes indicate a more serious problem. If the tingling last longer then a few minutes or appears to worsen over time, it is time to be evaluated by a doctor. Increased numbness and tingling for 4 months is what made this patient seek chiropractic care.
Case Study: A 22-year-old female sought chiropractic care for numbness and tingling in both arms. The numbness, tingling and weakness affected the patient so badly that it affected her sleep and ability to do fine motor skills like buttoning or zipping articles of clothing. She required assistance in these areas. It also affected her work since she worked in a hospital taking care of small children. She reports that picking up a piece if paper felt like a 50 pound weight in her hands. The patient reported some problems with head-aches, chronic ovarian infections and tonsillitis every change of season but otherwise was pretty healthy. The primary medical doctor thought the symptoms were Multiple Sclerosis but final diagnosis was not determined at time of treatment. The patient was evaluated and X-rays were taken and it was determined that the problem was related to her lower neck. Within in three visits, she had full use of her arms. This experience with chiropractic changed her so drastically that she decided not to be a medical doctor and instead she became a chiropractor and is one of the doctors at Spinal Specialists of Delaware.
Dr. Burd recalls the day that the medical doctor told her she would never use her arms again, “It was the worse day of my life. I had all these dreams, hopes and in a matter of an instance the doctor told me that I would most likely never regain feeling back into my arms.” “Thankfully, I was in the medical field and a doctor I worked with recommended trying an “alternative”. What she didn’t specify but said just try anything. Fortunately, I worked for a chiropractor years ago (but was never a patient) and called them to see if they could help. I was amazed that the chiropractor was more thorough then my primary medical doctor was. I was surprised at the difference in hope offered. My medical doctor basically said sorry this is the way your going to be but the chiropractor said she didn’t know if she could help but would try everything to help and she did (quickly).” Today, not only is Dr. Burd a chiropractor at the Spinal Specialists of Delaware, she is also a patient. “Now I know when I lose my neck correction and ask Dr. Golod to correct it. I start to feel some minor tingling in my pinkie and know that it is time to have my spine checked. It’s simple and takes care of the problem quickly so I can get back to life.”
Testimonials:
“I’ve been seeing Dr. Burd and associates for about four years. Prior to my initial visit I was in so much pain from my shoulder that I missed work; the second time in 30 years. After two visits I was back at work and on the road to recovery. Although the initial pain has not returned, other injuries have required treatment. The care given has always been such a relief. They are always able to accommodate appointment changes. It’s a very small price to pay for keeping my life pain free.” ~Robert S.
“Six years ago I had a skiing accident (I was going too fast and caught my ski while trying to stop, flipped and landed on my head). I have been in increasing pain since that time. The doctors including a Neurosurgeon said there wasn’t much they could do. I decided to see a chiropractor, and since Dr Julia Golod is the daughter of a work colleague, I choose her. A great decision! What a difference she has made in my overall condition and feeling of health. First, she did a detailed evaluation of my condition, finding a dislocated vertebrate in my neck. Next, she outlined a plan of treatment. I am now ending the treatment and have almost total relief from the neck pain. I also had back surgery about 10 years ago and feel more flexibility and relief from my constant back pain because of the adjustments I receive. Dr. Julia is a total professional and really cares about her patient’s condition. I am in good hands.......” ~Dale B.
“Due to the nature of my job, my overworked hand had developed carpal tunnel. I lost strength, had constant pain and I had tingling and numbness in my fingers. I saw a hand specialist who suggested surgery. Surgery was a last resort to me. I contacted Dr. Burd (who helped my husband avoid surgery for his thoracic pain), and although it took several visits, my hand started to show remarkable improvement. Today my hand is back to where it was before. I am still working the job that I feel caused the problem, but regular check-ups keeps my hand pain-free.” ~ Jeanne S.
For more information contact Drs. Burd & Golod at 302-731-0869.
Dr. Julia Golod is a 2001 Cum Laude graduate of Life University in Marietta, GA. She is a member of the American Chiropractic Association and the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce. She has written chiropractic related articles for Bridges and Choices Magazine. She is certified in Trigger Point Therapy, Acute Low Back Case Management, and Soft Tissue Orthopedics. Dr. Golod graduated from the University of Delaware in 1996 with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Psychology with a concentration in Neuroscience.
Dr. Deana Burd is also a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Life University. She has been practicing in the state of Delaware since 2000. She is a published author in the fields of Chiropractic and Behavioral Economics. She is heavily involved with the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Chapter of Delaware. She is the two time recipient of the Chiropractic Research Assistant of the Year from her University. Dr. Burd specializes in a unique form of chiropractic called NUCCA, which utilizes the upper bone of the neck as a lever to correct the alignment of the entire spine. This gentle but highly specific technique has helped many patients. She is a 1993 graduate from Immaculata University with a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Psychology.
