 | Dr. Jennifer Peterson graduated Summa Cum Laude from Cleveland Chiropractic College in Kansas City. She was awarded the prestigious Clinic Service Award in recognition of dedicated commitment and service to patients at the Cleveland Chiropractic Health Clinic. Dr. Peterson has done post-graduate work and been certified in Meridian Therapy (Acupuncture) and Cox Flexion-Distraction technique. Dr. Peterson is originally from Winfield, KS. She graduated from Winfield High School and then attended the University of Kansas. After graduating with a degree in Spanish from KU, she moved to Kansas City to attend Cleveland Chiropractic College. Dr. Peterson worked as an associate doctor for a year in Jackson, Mississippi before returning to Kansas to be closer to family and open her own clinic. Dr. Peterson enjoys walking, rollerblading and spending time with her infant niece, Alivia. You may e-mail her petersonchiropractic@birch.net, or call her at Peterson Chiropractic at (316) 448-0398. |
Chiropractic Care
2004-08-01 09:19:00
Why is my finger going numb?
ANSWER: These symptoms can be termed carpal tunnel syndrome, but there are actually different types of injuries that can cause similar symptoms. A patient with carpal tunnel syndrome has symptoms of pain, numbness, and tingling in the thumb, first, and second fingers, typically on the palm side of the hand. They also routinely complain that they have trouble gripping objects, sometimes dropping them. These symptoms can be caused by irritation to what is known as the median nerve which runs through the carpal tunnel, a tunnel created by wrist ligaments and bones. It is very important when evaluating a patient for carpal tunnel syndrome to check not only their wrist, but also their elbow, shoulder and neck as well as the muscles in these areas to assure that the nerve is not being irritated there rather than at the carpal tunnel in the wrist. This is especially important in golfers since they are using their entire upper body to swing the club.A chiropractor can thoroughly evaluate this condition through the use of orthopedic and neurological tests; however, if there is any uncertainty, a referral to a neurologist for a nerve conduction velocity test (NCV) may be warranted.QUESTION: Is it true that once you start chiropractic treatment for a lower back problem (for example), you have to continue with chiropractic treatments forever?ANSWER: Absolutely not. A patient's need for treatment is based on several things including the health history and health goals of the patient. Many patients find that they feel and function better when they are regularly adjusted and CHOOSE to return for periodic maintenance treatments to prevent injuries from occurring. It is important to realize that when a patient initially starts care in a chiropractic office, they often need frequent care for the first 4-6 weeks. Following this course of care, a patient can decide whether they want to come in when they are hurting or they can work out a preventative treatment schedule with the doctor.
