Arm And Leg Pain Treatment in West Des Moines, IA
Content Reviewed by: Dr. Josiah Fitzsimmons, DC, BCN on November 10, 2026
Iowa Chiropractic License #085940 (NPI: 1568993574)
Arm And Leg Pain Treatment At A Glance
Arm and leg pain that has no obvious local injury as its cause is frequently the result of nerve compression or irritation originating in the cervical or lumbar spine. Patients come to Vero Health Center describing aching, burning, tingling, or numbness in the arm, forearm, hand, thigh, calf, or foot, often without significant back or neck pain to point the way. The nerve producing those symptoms can be identified through a thorough neurological and spinal evaluation, and the source can often be treated without surgery.
Common Symptoms Of Arm And Leg Pain
The character of arm and leg pain is diagnostically important. Radiating symptoms from spinal nerve compression typically follow a dermatomal pattern corresponding to the affected nerve root.
Cervical radiculopathy produces pain, tingling, or numbness that travels from the neck into the shoulder, upper arm, forearm, or hand. The specific fingers affected often indicate the cervical level involved. C6 involvement typically affects the thumb and index finger. C7 involvement typically affects the middle finger.
Lumbar radiculopathy produces pain, tingling, or numbness that travels from the lower back into the buttock, thigh, calf, or foot. The distribution corresponds to the affected nerve root level. L4 typically involves the anterior thigh and inner calf. L5 involves the outer calf and top of the foot. S1 involves the outer foot and heel.
Weakness in the arm or leg is a more serious finding associated with significant nerve compression. Any progression of limb weakness warrants prompt evaluation.
What Causes Arm And Leg Pain?
Arm and leg pain that travels from the spine is called radicular pain or radiculopathy when it follows a specific nerve root distribution. The nerve roots that form the brachial plexus in the neck supply the shoulders, arms, and hands. The nerve roots that form the lumbosacral plexus in the lower spine supply the hips, thighs, legs, and feet.
Disc herniation at the cervical or lumbar level is the most common spinal cause of radiating extremity pain. When a disc herniates toward an adjacent nerve root, it produces both chemical irritation and mechanical compression that are felt in the distribution of that nerve. Foraminal stenosis, a narrowing of the exit channel for spinal nerve roots caused by arthritic bone spur formation, produces similar symptoms through a different mechanism.
Peripheral nerve entrapment is another category, involving compression of peripheral nerves outside the spine. Carpal tunnel syndrome (median nerve at the wrist) and cubital tunnel syndrome (ulnar nerve at the elbow) produce arm and hand symptoms. Peroneal nerve compression at the knee produces outer lower leg and foot symptoms.
Conditions That Can Mimic Arm And Leg Pain
Peripheral neuropathy from diabetes, chemotherapy, or other systemic causes produces bilateral tingling and numbness in the extremities that does not follow a single dermatomal pattern. Vascular insufficiency in the legs produces claudication pain with walking that is relieved by rest. Complex regional pain syndrome produces diffuse, burning limb pain following an injury or surgery. These conditions require different evaluation and treatment approaches than spinal radiculopathy.
When To Seek Urgent Care For Arm Or Leg Pain
Seek urgent medical attention if arm or leg pain is accompanied by rapid progression of limb weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, pain following significant trauma, or symptoms consistent with a vascular emergency such as sudden severe pain with limb pallor or coldness. These presentations require immediate medical evaluation.
What Our Patients Are Saying
How We Diagnose Arm And Leg Pain At Vero Health Center
Evaluation of arm and leg pain at Vero Health Center begins with identifying whether the source is spinal, peripheral, or systemic. Neurological scanning and dermatomal testing identify the pattern and level of nerve involvement. Orthopedic testing confirms nerve root involvement and identifies the likely spinal level. Spinal motion testing and palpation identify the structural source. For peripheral entrapment neuropathies, specific provocative testing at the entrapment site is included.
How Vero Health Center Treats Arm And Leg Pain
Treatment targets the confirmed source of arm or leg pain, whether the symptoms are coming from spinal nerve involvement, peripheral nerve dysfunction, disc-related compression, or local joint and tissue irritation.
Spinal Decompression For Disc-Related Radiculopathy
For arm or leg pain produced by cervical or lumbar disc herniation, spinal decompression reduces intradiscal pressure and relieves nerve root compression. It is the primary treatment modality when disc involvement is confirmed.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Adjustments at the affected spinal level restore normal joint mechanics, reduce inflammation, and improve the space available for nerve root passage. They are used alongside or in preparation for decompression depending on the clinical picture.
Shockwave Therapy For Local Pain And Inflammation
When arm or leg pain also involves tendon irritation, ligament strain, muscle tension, joint irritation, or chronic inflammation in a specific area, shockwave therapy may be included as part of the care plan. At Vero Health Center, SoftWave therapy is used to support the body’s natural repair response in targeted areas when the evaluation shows that local tissue support is appropriate.
Neuropathy Treatment For Peripheral Nerve Involvement
For arm or leg symptoms produced by peripheral neuropathy rather than spinal compression, our neuropathy treatment program addresses the peripheral nerve health directly through a structured multi-modal protocol.
Why Early Treatment Matters For Arm And Leg Pain
Prolonged nerve compression, whether from a disc or foraminal stenosis, can produce changes in nerve function that persist even after the compression is removed. Early evaluation and care reduce the risk of those secondary changes and typically produce faster recovery. Peripheral neuropathy is similarly easier to address in its earlier stages before significant nerve damage has accumulated.
Meet The Experts Behind Your Care
Dr. Josiah Fitzsimmons, D.C.
Dr. Josiah Fitzsimmons is originally from Ames, IA. He played college football at South Dakota State and graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a master’s degree in Nutrition, Exercise and Food Sciences in a five-year span. He then attended the fountainhead, Palmer College of Chiropractic.
Dr. Logan Dabney, D.C.
Dr. Logan Dabney is originally from Centerville, IA. He attended Centerville High School, where he discovered his passion for health and science as a frequent visitor to his hometown chiropractor. He then attended the University of Northern Iowa, where he majored in Pre-Med/Chiropractic Biology, before completing his graduate studies at Palmer College of Chiropractic. During his time at Palmer, Dr. Logan was heavily involved in Torque Release Technique and earned Advanced Proficiency Certification in it.
Dr. Scott Coyle, D.C.
Dr. E. Scott Coyle is originally from Waterloo, IA. He graduated from Pepperdine University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Medicine and then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic-West. After practicing in California for several years, he returned to Knoxville, IA, in 1997, where he practiced until 2016. Dr. Coyle then worked in robotic spine and brain surgery for two years with Mazor Robotics, and practiced in Lawrence, KS, for two years before returning home to join the Vero Health Center team. He works with patients dealing with chronic neck, mid-back, and low-back pain, headaches, and arthritis-related discomfort.
Dr. Austin Seitsinger, D.C.
Dr. Austin Seitsinger is originally from Sumner, Iowa. He studied Biology at the University of Northern Iowa, and then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic. He chose to pursue chiropractic at a young age as he has always had a passion for helping others.
Dr. Nate Halverson, D.C.
Dr. Nate Halverson is originally from Fort Dodge, IA, where he was a multi-sport athlete at Fort Dodge Senior High and placed 5th at the Iowa High School wrestling tournament. He found his passion for holistic health care through his background in athletics. After receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Northern Iowa, he graduated with honors from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA, in 2015. He then worked as the lead chiropractor for a chiropractic and sports injury practice in Chicago before moving back to the Des Moines area with his wife, Leah, to be closer to family. They welcomed their daughter, Hayes, in April 2022 and their son, Steele, in June 2024.
Dr. Colby Nelson, D.C.
Dr. Colby Nelson is originally from Audubon, Iowa. He attended Iowa State University, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, and then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, where he received his Doctorate of Chiropractic degree. During his time at Palmer, he was a leader of the Sports Injury Club and participated in a clinic abroad program in Brazil. Before joining the team at Vero, Dr. Colby operated his own chiropractic clinic for 12 years.
Dr. Taylor Vanden Wynboom, D.C.
Dr. Taylor Vanden Wynboom is originally from Britt, IA. He received his BS degree from Central College and his Doctorate degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic. Before joining the team at Vero Health Center, he owned his own practice in both Ames and Ankeny. In his free time, he enjoys coaching football, exercising, and spending time with his wife Amanda and their four kids, Tate, Harper, Holland, and Harlow.
Dr. Darrius Poe, D.C.
Dr. Darrius Poe is originally from Fort Dodge, Iowa. He attended the University of Northern Iowa where he earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. While in undergrad, he discovered his passion for chiropractic after being treated for a sports injury in a chiropractic clinic. Not only did the chiropractic treatments help with his shoulder injury, he was also educated on the intricacies of the central nervous system and how chiropractic care can help the body heal and function better as a whole. Dr. Darrius’ experience as a chiropractic patient motivated him to pursue a career in chiropractic. He attended Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA, where he received his doctorate in 2018. Prior to joining the Vero team, Dr. Darrius served as an associate and clinic director for six years in the Des Moines metro area.
Dr. Toby Thepsoumphone, D.C.
Dr. Toby Thepsoumphone is originally from Smyrna, Delaware. He graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with a concentration in Exercise Physiology. He then pursued a doctorate degree in chiropractic and graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport. Dr. Toby also attended Harris School of Business in Dover, Delaware, where he earned a degree in Massage Therapy. He has worked as a Licensed Massage Therapist since 2016. He specializes in sports massage, deep tissue, and gua sha. His passion is to help others to achieve optimal health and wellness. He has certifications in the Webster’s Technique and acupuncture.
Dr. Scott Jacobson, D.C.
Dr. Scott Jacobson grew up in Cherokee, Iowa, and has spent more than 17 years in practice across Iowa, Minnesota, Texas, California, and South America. While living in South America, he helped grow a clinic into one of the largest on the continent and became bilingual in Spanish along the way. He is Board Certified in Neuropathy (BCN) through the American College of Physical Medicine (ACoPM) and previously served in the United States Air Force and worked with the Department of Defense. Dr. Scott Jacobson has also been a black belt in Taekwondo for 40 years. He and his wife have two sons—so apparently he enjoys a challenge both professionally and at home.
Serving West Des Moines And Nearby Iowa Communities
Vero Health Center is located at 630 S 50th St in West Des Moines, Iowa, and serves patients from West Des Moines, Clive, Windsor Heights, Urbandale, Des Moines, Johnston, Norwalk, Waukee, Grimes, Saylorville, Van Meter, Pleasant Hill, Ankeny, Dallas Center, Granger, Polk City, De Soto, Carlisle, Adel, Altoona, Bondurant, Indianola, Cumming, and the surrounding area.
Sources And Clinical References
- Source: NCBI Bookshelf: Cervical Radiculopathy
- Source: NCBI Bookshelf: Sciatica
- Source: Mayo Clinic: Peripheral Neuropathy
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my arm or leg pain is coming from my spine?
Radiating pain from the spine typically follows a predictable distribution corresponding to the affected nerve root, and it is often accompanied by or preceded by spinal pain or stiffness. However, some patients have significant radiating symptoms without prominent neck or back pain. The clinical evaluation identifies whether the source is spinal through neurological and orthopedic testing.
Can radiating arm or leg pain be treated without surgery?
Yes. The majority of spinal radiculopathy cases, including those involving disc herniation, respond to conservative care including chiropractic adjustments and spinal decompression without surgery. Surgery is considered when conservative care has not produced adequate improvement after a reasonable trial or when significant neurological deficits are present.
Is numbness in my hands or feet dangerous?
Persistent or progressive numbness warrants evaluation to determine its source. Numbness alone, without weakness or other neurological signs, is typically not a medical emergency. However, progressive weakness, bilateral leg symptoms, or numbness accompanied by bowel or bladder changes require urgent evaluation.
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Read This ArticleBook Arm And Leg Pain Treatment in West Des Moines
Pain, tingling, or numbness in your arms or legs that has no obvious local cause deserves a thorough spinal and neurological evaluation. Vero Health Center identifies the source and builds conservative care around what we find. Contact us to schedule your evaluation.