Pain that radiates into the arms or legs is one of the more telling symptoms a chiropractor encounters because it almost always points back to the spine. When a nerve root is compressed or irritated in the cervical or lumbar spine, it does not always stay local. It follows the path of the nerve outward into the extremities, producing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that can travel all the way into the hands and fingers or down through the calf and into the foot.
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This is called radiculopathy, and it is among the more common presentations Dr. Jay Lagoni sees at Lagoni Chiropractic. Patients often arrive having been treated for the arm or leg symptom directly, sometimes for months, without anyone looking at the spine as the source. A thorough evaluation frequently tells a different story.
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Arm pain and numbness can originate from disc herniations or joint dysfunction in the cervical spine, thoracic outlet syndrome, or local conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and epicondylitis. The distinction matters because the treatment is different depending on where the compression is occurring. Leg pain and numbness most commonly trace back to the lumbar spine, where conditions like sciatica, herniated discs, and degenerative joint disease can compress the nerve roots that supply the lower extremities.
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Dr. Jay takes a detailed history and performs a thorough physical evaluation to identify where along the nerve pathway the problem is originating. When imaging is needed, digital X-rays are available in the office and reviewed by a radiologist in most cases. Advanced imaging through stand-alone MRI facilities is available when the clinical picture warrants it.
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Treatment depends on the underlying cause but may include chiropractic adjustments to the cervical or lumbar spine, Arthrostim instrument adjusting, low-level laser therapy, electric muscle stimulation, therapeutic ultrasound, kinesiotaping, and a home exercise program targeting the specific nerve pathway and contributing mechanical factors. Care is coordinated with other providers when referral or additional workup is appropriate.
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If you have been dealing with pain, numbness, or tingling in your arms or legs and have not gotten a clear answer about where it is coming from, call us at (765) 778-4095 or fill out the form on our New Patient page.
Serving Pendleton, Anderson, Fortville, Lapel, and the surrounding area. Most major insurance accepted.