Numbness is a lack of sensation in the fingers, hands, arms, legs, or feet. Limb Numbness is a common symptom associated with different conditions. In some cases, numbness may even indicate a medical emergency, such as a stroke. There are two common types of numbness, which are paresthesia and dysesthesia. The feeling of Limb Numbness is similar to the loss of sensitivity, burning sensation, or tingling.
What Causes Limb Numbness?
One misunderstanding about numbness is that it is a medical condition. The truth is numbness is a symptom and can be caused by different unrelated conditions. In most cases, limb numbness are caused by trauma, neurologic event, or metabolic disorder. Also, numbness of limbs can be severe if it occurs with other symptoms such as loss of consciousness or headache.
The feelings of numbness and tingling can be the result of simply putting undue pressure on an area, which cuts off the blood flow, or it can be the result of an injury to a nerve. For example, a neck injury may cause you to feel numbness anywhere along your arm or hand, while a low back injury can cause numbness or tingling down the back of your leg.
Other causes of numbness and tingling that should be evaluated are:
- Pressure on the spinal nerves, such as from a herniated disc.
- Pressure on peripheral nerves from enlarged blood vessels, tumors, scar tissue, or infection.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (pressure on a nerve at the wrist)
- Migraines/Headaches
- Trauma
- Sciatica
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Golfer’s Elbow
- Tennis Elbow
- Muscular Trigger Points
- Spinal Stenosis
- Nerve Irritation
- Thoracic Outlet syndrome
- Spinal Disc Lesions
- Spondylosis
- Diabetes
- Calcium deficiency
- Liver Disease
- Renal Disease
- Drugs
- Alcoholism
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
How Does a Chiropractor Help Numbness & Tingling?
Treatment for numbness and tingling begins with an exam and proper diagnosis to determine the underlying cause of the numbness and/or tingling sensation. Depending on the severity of the discomfort, begin with an examination, which includes a range of motion test, orthopedic tests, muscle tests, and neurological test. If further testing is necessary to diagnose the problem, will then order an MRI and/or CT Scan as necessary.
Most cases of numbness and tingling respond well to conservative treatment under a chiropractic care. The aim is to eliminate irritation and restore proper function to the nerves. This can be accomplished through spinal manipulation, nerve decompression, ice, and various physical modalities. The exact treatment will be determined on a case-by-case scenario based on the cause and symptoms of each patient.