Facts About Numbness and Tingling

Did you know that numbness and tingling usually go hand in hand? The presence of both is known as paresthesia. Paresthesia manifests as tickling, itching, burning and a sensation of pins and needles in your body. Numbness and tingling can be side effects of serious conditions. They are usually side effects of injury or correctable nerve compression. We see both of these symptoms in many of our patients. We provide several therapies to correct the problem at the source and stop your symptoms.  Some of the most common causes of numbness and tingling include:  medication side effects, herniated discs, migraines, nerve injury or compression, chronic conditions and more.  What happens if you don’t take measures to stop your symptoms? You could be at greater risk for stroke or atherosclerosis.  Come in to see us today at Texas Spine & Sports Therapy Center and let us help treat your symptoms today!

Birds Of A Feather Flock Together

Numbness and tingling can be considered best buddies when it comes to symptoms that usually manifest at the same time. Together they are known as “paresthesia” with symptoms such as:  a tickling, itching, burning or a “pins and needles” feeling.  Ever had your leg or foot fall asleep? You may notice that you’ve lost feeling in the leg but only when you try to move it. That numbness will turn into a tingling sensation as your leg gets more circulation flowing through it.  Most of us have had that feeling before, but it generally goes away.  Patients suffering with chronic numbness and tingling symptoms may have a more serious problem.

Common Causes

Thankfully, if chronic numbness and tingling is what’s ailing you, our extensive experience will help reveal the source of your problem.  There are many common causes of numbness and tingling such as: 

• Neuropathy problems or chronic conditions such as diabetes, seizures or multiple sclerosis
• Herniated or bulging disks (especially in the back)
• Nerve injuries, nerve compression (also common in the back), damage and infection
• Shingles or Raynaud’s phenomenon
• Dysfunction of the cervical spine (which can be corrected)
• Underactive thyroid or other hormonal imbalances
• Exposure to environmental substances (such as stinging nettle) or foods you are allergic to
• Poor posture or lack of ergonomics in the workplace
• Anxiety or stress
• Common occurrences of migraines or nutrient deficiencies/abundances of vitamin B12, calcium or potassium

As you can see, not all of the causes are chronic or causes for concern. Don’t assume the worst when numbness and tingling begin, but do seek counsel.  Simple treatments for nutrient deficiencies or chiropractic adjustments may be able to correct your problem.

Getting Your Feeling Back

At Texas Spine & Sports Therapy Center, we hope all of our patients seek natural and soothing therapies for their numbness and tingling before seeking invasive surgical procedures or relief from addicting narcotic pain medicines. Some of our natural, effective therapies include:

• Chiropractic Adjustments – We provide non-surgical chiropractic adjustments that focus on gentle, corrective and safe manipulation of the musculoskeletal system. If the body (especially the back) is misaligned in any way, this could cause nerve compression, herniated discs, knots and more. We correct that alignment to correct your symptoms.
• Massage Therapy – Soothing massage will improve circulation throughout the body, find areas of trapped tension (especially trigger points) and restore sensation to the affected area.
• Neuropathy Treatment – We treat symptoms of the peripheral nerve system, two of which are numbness and tingling in the extremities and limbs. Some of these specific treatments include: LED treatment, oxygen with exercise, deep vibration therapy, neuromuscular re-education and more! Treatments are designed to activate nerves and get the brain and nervous system working properly.
• Diet/Exercise Counseling – Dietary advice coupled with exercise plans will help improve your general fitness, circulation, muscle and bone strength. Treatment also works to increase your intake of proper nutrients. A healthier and stronger body will help those numbness and tingling symptoms go away.
• Advanced Nerve Testing (NCV/EMG) – These quick procedures will painlessly test your nerves in order to locate nerve blockages or damage.
• Electrostimulation – Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is meant to activate and move the muscles so that circulation increases.  Promoting proper circulation accelerates the delivery of nutrient-rich blood to the affected area calming the affected nerves.
• Supplementations – When nutrient deficiency or food allergies are the cause of your symptoms, we have supplementations and creams that can help rid you of the deficiency or ailment. 

Numbness and tingling may go together like birds of a feather, but they don’t have to be your constant companion. To learn more about how we can treat your symptoms, call Texas Spine & Sports Therapy Center today at (512) 806-0015 for your free consultation!