Spine Care

Cause: If you are experiencing numbness or weakness in your arms or legs, a natural conclusion might be that the problem’s source is in the arm or leg. Often, though, a spinal injury will cause numbness or weakness to the extremities. This may occur when pressure is applied to the nerves in the spinal cord. Examples of spinal injuries that could present as pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms and legs are disc herniation, bone spurs, spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease. If a spinal nerve is pinched in the upper back or neck, you may feel tingling or lack of dexterity in your arms or hands. If the nerves of the lower back are agitated, you could feel numbness and weakness in your buttocks, legs or feet.

Diagnosis: The orthopedic specialists at Tempe St. Luke’s Hospital will perform a full evaluation, including a review of your medical history. Patients may also undergo physical tests to gauge flexibility, strength and sensitivity in the affected areas. If the physician believes the symptoms could be spine-related, patients may also undergo imaging tests such as x-rays or MRIs.

Treatment: Because there could be many different causes or diagnoses for the numbness or weakness in your extremities, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment. Rather, treatment is tailored to address the underlying issue of the spine. Some treatments may include physical therapy to relieve pressure on a nerve root or cord, medication for pain relief, or injections. Some conditions could merit surgical intervention. Only after a thorough examination by a Tempe St. Luke’s Hospital orthopedic physician can an accurate course of treatment be determined.