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Diagnosis and Treatment for Numbness in Monmouth County Numbness is a common symptom associated with a number of conditions. When there is an abnormal lack of sensation in any part of the body, it is usually linked with disorders that cause compression of the nerves such as bulged or herniated discs, sciatica, arthritis, tendonitis, or carpal tunnel syndrome. The most intuitive treatment for numbness is to address the underlying condition causing the symptom. The first step in alleviating numbness is to diagnose what is causing the symptom. At Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation Center, we use a number of diagnostic tools, including fluoroscopy, ultrasound, and x-ray. For numbness and/or tingling, we use Electrodiagnostic Nerve Testing, which pinpoints the exact cause of numbness in order to begin the treatment process. In some cases, numbness is associated with diabetes or other vascular conditions. Whatever the circumstance, it is extremely important to have a correct diagnosis when numbness is experienced. Once a diagnosis has been made, a medical doctor specializing in pain management and rehabilitation for musculoskeletal and neurological conditions will devise a customized treatment plan. This plan may include the use of physical therapy, acupuncture, and/or chiropractic care. Because all of these modalities are offered at Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation Center, each patient’s numbness is addressed with a cohesive, effective, and stress-free approach. Physiatry and Numbness The Medical Director at Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation Center is a Physiatrist—a specialist in the non-surgical treatment of the types of neurological and musculoskeletal disorders that can lead to numbness. Working with a staff of Physical Therapists, Acupuncturists, and Chiropractic Doctors, the approach to any condition begins first with the most conservative treatments. Depending on the causative factor for numbness, the following may be used: Physical Therapy: The term ‘physical therapy encompasses an array of practices which may be of benefit to patients with numbness. Spinal Decompression Traction, for example, gently reduces the pressure between the discs of the spine to remove pressure on the nerves. In patients that have numbness due to bulged or herniated discs, Spinal Decompression creates a vacuum-like effect to pull the disc material back into its shell so that discs can heal. Therapeutic Exercise, when used under the guidance of a trained physical therapist, is a safe, effective way to build strength and flexibility; it can help with both treating and preventing the types of conditions that cause numbness. At Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation Center, PowerPlate technology is used to increase the effectiveness of therapeutic exercise. Other physical therapy techniques used to resolve numbness may include low level laser therapy or electrotherapy. Acupuncture: As part of the Chinese medical tradition, acupuncture is based on the concept that a ‘life energy’ or ‘Qi’ runs throughout the body on channels known as meridians. Any disorder in the flow of this energy can result in a number of symptoms, numbness included. Acupuncture helps to rebalance the body’s systems in order to restore sensation. Chiropractic: The central nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, is responsible for all functions of the human body (including sensation). When any disorder causes abnormal sensation, it’s important to address the health of the nervous system by ensuring that the spine is properly aligned. Poor posture can cause the nerves to become compressed or damaged. Chiropractic care can help by ensuring total postural and nervous system health. Steroid Injections: An injection of a corticosteroid (a long-lasting steroid) and/or an anesthetic numbing agent can help to reduce inflammation, thereby taking pressure off the nerves. For sciatica in particular, this injection might be performed in the epidural space. For patients with numbness associated with arthritis, joint injections might be used. Such procedures are prescribed only when other tactics (physical therapy, for example) cannot be used due to severe pain. Treatment for Numbness at Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation Center For Monmouth County patients experiencing numbness, Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation Center offers medical care, physical therapy, acupuncture, massage therapy, and chiropractic care. Because each of these modalities works in close cooperation, patients are afforded a targeted, strategic approach. Contact our Red Bank, NJ pain management and rehabilitation facility to learn more about treatments for numbness in Monmouth County. |
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