Has anyone ever had nerve damage (peripheral) causing burning pain and numbness/pins and needles sensations in toes/feet going uo into legs up to the knees.  I have had this complaint for three years following a rear inpact road traffic accident.  However, no doctor has yet been able to identify what might be the cause of it, and it wont go away.  It is extremely disabling and I suffer almost constant pain and discomfort.  I'm convinced that the problem stems from somewhere in my spine, as symptoms are worse following certain activities such as prolonged sitting or standing  and carrying things. Could it be a spinal problem?  Scans have revealed some degeneration in my spine and a pinched nerve in my neck but my doctor cant link this to parasthesia in my feet.  All other tests I have had come back normal.  I also suffered a blow to my spine when I fell down stairs about 8 yrs ago and landed very hard on one side of my 'sitting bone' .  I was unable to sit down without pain for many years.  This eventually calmed down but then started up again shortly after the road traffic accident.  I,m desparate for an answer but no one seems able to help.  has anyone had similar problems?

Sharon

Hi Sharon

 It is almost certain that your lower leg symptoms are connected to your back problem. There is also, almost certainly, a problem with your sacro-iliac joint and/or coccyx, following the fall you describe. As a physiotherapist I would suggest that you see a private physiotherapist as correct exercises and posture and maybe a gentle manipulation should sort you out. NHS physios are usually too rushed and would not necessarily have the time to sort out what could be quite a complicated picture. I am also a Bowen Therapist and the Bowen Technique would be very useful especially if there is a problem with the coccyx. If you can find the two rolled into one so much the better.

 Good like in sorting it out. I am certain that you can get relief from this problem.  

Sharon - I agree with Gillie. I recently had a car accident with similar, if less debilitating, effects.  Bowen therapy, physio and Pilates are helping to sort it out. I also take homeopathic remedies to complement the other therapies. You should see a qualified homeopath for the best advice on what to take in your personal situation. The combination of all of the above is very powerful.  Good luck and good health!

 Jude

Hello Sharon,

Have you tried a Doctor of Chiropractic yet?  They are experts at unpinching nerves and helping with spinal degeneration. And it will probably take 3-6 months before things start turning around. Have him/her pay special attention to the sacro-iliac joints. Mis-alignment of these joints can cause symptoms that mimic disc problems.

If you've tried one chiro... don't give up. There are many different techniques that chiropractors use.

Ed.

Canada.
 

Hi Sharon,

Without  doubt a chiropractor would be a good place to start. That said, as a homeoepath I would suggest a high potency Arnica (probably 10M) followed by Hypericum which has a particular affinity to the coccyx.

Sharon:  I'm truly sorry to hear of your suffering, however, I urge you to visit a Chiropractor.  I don't have the same problem as you, but I did have a head-on collision with a car in 1964 whilst riding my Triumph Tina Scooter (I was a mod!) In the accident I put my face through my windscreen, broke my two front teeth, flew through the air landing on my head and shoulder. As a result there was damage to my neck and I've had back problems on and off ever since.  Doctors weren't able to help me - they only offered painkillers, surgery or a corset.  So I went to a Chiropractor and he was amazing - like a miracle worker (I was 18/19 years old - I am now 60) and have used them all these years with huge success.  I feel sure that one will be able to help you.  They are properly trained, they take XRays before treating you etc.etc.  So many problems that maybe you think they couldn't assist with, they can. Also, acupuncture is wonderful for pain control, so that's another avenue to explore.  Good luck.

 Jackie

Any trained osteopath should be able to rectify your problem. Meantime, you may wish to take the enzyme Serrapeptase (generic name) from HFSs or from the Internet (cheaper here). Take at 40,000 units or its equivalent on an empty stomach without anything to eat or drink (except water) for an hour afterwards so that it can work its magic. I purchase mine from www.iherb.com. Google for the information about it but do see an osteopath when your problem will undoubtedly be resolved. 

Read testimonials from www.smart-nutrition.net about the benefits of serrapeptase. When you have read those you will undoubtedly wonder why this substance is not officially recognised by the NHS. The medical profession has known of those benefits for a number of years but as the enzyme is a natural substance that cannot be patented then the profiteering pharmaceutical companies are not interested so the GP at the coal-face of primary medical care is mostly unaware of it. What a sad commentary!

Dear Jennings,

Thankyou for your advice.  I have read up on Serrepeptase and am definately going to try it.  I have ordered mine from a UK supplier, ( Nutri-Centre ).  It sounds very promising.  Thankyou so much for the tip.

Dera Jackie,

Thankyou for your help.  I am going to see a Chiropractor, and have ordered Serrapeptase as someone as advised.  The testimonials sound very promising.

Sharon

Thankyou for your advice.  I am seeing a chiropractor and have ordered a natural supplement called Serrapeptase . 

Cheers Sharon

Dear Ed,

Thankyou for your help.  Yes, I have begun treatment with a Chiropractor.  No dramatic turnaround as yet, but early days and I have had the condition for a long time.  Someone has suggested Serrapeptase as a natual painkiller.  I have ordered some and am going to give it a go.

Thanks again,

Sharon

Dear Jude,

Thankyou for your help.  I will consider your suggestions.

Sharon

Dear Gillie,

Thankyou for your helpful advice.  I will certainly consider your suggestions.  I have begun treatment with a McTimoney Chiropractor, who is very good.  I have had some temporary relief from back and neck pain, but it comes back.  Nothing has yet relieved the problem with pain and tingling in my feet and legs.  I have also just begun experiencing very painful cramps in bed. One night it was in my foot and another night in my calf .

I am going to try Serrapeptase as someone suggested.  It sounds very promising.

Thanks again for your help.

Hi Sharon

Good luck with the ongoing treatment. Serrapeptase is a wonderful supplement. I have seen the benefits it has brought to several of my clients. Another thought that may help is taking a good B-Vit complex as the B Vitamins support nerve health. Also another physiotherapy technique that you can explore if the chiropractic is not successful is Adverse Neuro Tension (ANT). This can help nerves recover that have suffered prolonged minor pressure or tethering. Here's hoping that your present regime is successful, but you have more suggestions if it is not.

 Gillie
 

Hi Sharon, Sorry to hear that after all those years on you are still suffering.

I would suggest that you find a good sports massage therapist. They will be able to provide you what a physio can provide and more. I have seen this problem before and I've found the glutes to be the problem as they can get hypertonic and squeeze the sciatic nerve. You might want to also do some exercises to stretch the periformis (another muscle often associated with back problems and loss of sensations in the leg and feet). Do also some research on Trigger Points. You might have developed secondary problems that can mask the true origin of the problem. (Clair Davies books are very easy to understand and use).

The problem about muscle pain is that it's never where the real problem is. A good massage therapist will help you out with massage and assisted stretches, trigger point therapy, and once you are better you should be given exercices to gain strength in order to support your weak areas.

Good luck

Stef