Numbness and Tingling? The Common Signs of Neuropathy

Do you feel numbness or tingling in your body? While not always the case, it could be a sign that you are suffering from neuropathy.

The word neuropathy is an umbrella term that encompasses quite a few different disorders. All of the conditions contained with the branch of neuropathy involve damage or defects within the peripheral nerve system, which branches out from the spinal cord and brain. Read on to learn more about the different types of neuropathy and how Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center can help you with your pain.

What is Neuropathy? 

Neuropathy, also known as nerve damage, can be the result from a number of different conditions like diabetes or treatments like chemotherapy. This condition, also sometimes referred to as peripheral neuropathy, is not a single health condition but rather a term used to describe a range of health problems involving damage to the peripheral nerves, according to Everyday Health. 

The Types of Neuropathy 

There are three types of peripheral nerves: motor, sensory, and autonomic. Some types of neuropathy will affect all of these nerves, while others might only affect one or two of them. The University of Chicago’s Center for Peripheral Neuropathy explains: 

Motor nerves: These nerves send impulses from the brain and spinal cord to all of the muscles in the body. This is the nerve that allows us to walk, catch a baseball, or even move the fingers to pick something up. Motor damage can lead to muscle weakness, difficulty walking, moving the arms, and having cramps and spasms. 

Sensory nerves: These nerves send messages in the other direction, from the muscles back to the spinal cord and brain. Special sensors in the skin and deep inside the body help people identify if an object is sharp, rough, or smooth. Additionally, it helps us feel hot and cold or if a body part is still or moving. When this nerve is damaged, it results in tingling, numbness, pain, and extreme sensitivity. 

Autonomic nerves: Control involuntary or semi-involuntary functions like heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and sweating. When these nerves suffer from damage, it can cause a faster or slower heart rate. Additionally, you can feel dizzy when standing or sweat excessively or not at all. Additionally, autonomic nerve damage may result in difficulty swallowing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, problems urinating, abnormal pupil size, and sexual dysfunction. 

Causes of Neuropathy 

While there are some known causes of neuropathy, up to 30% of all neuropathy is diagnosed as idiopathic which means there is no known cause. Another 30% of causes are linked to complications from diabetes. The rest of the causes that have been linked to neuropathy can be:

• Alcoholism, especially addictions that stretch over the course of decades. 
• Exposure to toxins and heavy metals.
• Tumors, which even if benign can place serious pressure on nerves.
• Chronic diseases like HIV, AIDS, hypothyroidism, and Lyme disease.
• Diseases and conditions that affect kidney and liver function.
• Nutritional imbalances that lead to vitamin B deficiencies.
• Sudden trauma or injury.
• Daily habits, like poor posture, that partially result from a lack of ergonomic office equipment. 

Common Signs and Symptoms of Neuropathy 

The most common forms of neuropathy can cause symptoms like: 

• Foot and ankle pain
• Inflammation in the knees, calves, or shoulders 
• Limited range of movement
• Numbness and tingling in the extremities and limbs 
• Weakness or tremors
• Headaches and migraines 
• Chronic pain and fatigue 
• Stiff neck muscles 

In serious cases of nerve compression or damage, paralyzation, loss of consciousness, or breathing problems can occur. However, these severe cases are extremely rare. 

Treatments Options

Due to the varied causes of neuropathy, we offer a wide range of services that could help relieve your neuropathy symptoms. At Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center, we have found that many of our patients with this nerve condition find pain relief from the following treatments:

• Electrostimulation 
• Massage therapy
• Chiropractic adjustment 
• Physical therapy 
• Inflammation injections 
• Nutrient deficiency testing 
• Oxygen with exercise 
• Deep vibration 
• Neuromuscular re-education
• Functional neurology therapy 
• And more! 

Make an Appointment with Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center

If you feel numbness or tingling, pain, or just chronically fatigued, make an appointment with Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center. Our team is made up of a wide range of doctors and specialists that work together to deliver a custom treatment that is made for your specific pain and condition. The nerve experts at our clinic in Austin, Texas could help you pinpoint the exact irritated or injured nerve structure in a matter of a few visits. Have questions? Call us now to learn more: (512)-806-0015.