Numbness and tingling are common symptoms that can occur virtually anywhere in the body. Often described as "pins and needles," these sensations are usually experienced in the arms, legs, fingers, hands, and feet. They can be temporary or chronic, mild or severe, and may indicate a range of medical conditions. This article will explore four such conditions: Herniated Discs, Sciatica, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and Whiplash.
Herniated Discs
A herniated disc, also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, occurs when the inner gelatinous substance of an intervertebral disc escapes through a tear in its tough, outer ring. This protrusion can press on nerves and cause discomfort, pain, numbness, and tingling. The symptoms can manifest in various parts of the body, depending on which disc is herniated.
Cervical herniated discs, occurring in the neck, can cause symptoms in the shoulders, arms, and hands. Lumbar herniated discs, situated in the lower back, can induce numbness and tingling in the legs and feet. In severe cases, this condition can lead to a serious complication called cauda equina syndrome, characterized by lower back pain, loss of bowel and bladder control, and numbness in the groin area.
Sciatica
Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg. Sciatica usually affects only one side of the body and is often caused by a herniated disc, bone spur on the spine, or narrowing of the spine (spinal stenosis), compressing part of the nerve.
The common symptoms of sciatica include lower back pain, hip pain, burning or tingling down the leg, and numbness, difficulty moving, or weakness in the foot or leg. The pain can be severe and can be accompanied by numbness and tingling in the affected leg.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand, becomes compressed at the wrist. This nerve compression often results from repetitive motion, such as typing or any wrist movements that you do over and over. It's also common in pregnancy and in people with conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or thyroid disease.
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome typically start gradually, with frequent burning, tingling, or itching numbness in the palm of the hand and the fingers, especially the thumb, index, and middle fingers. Some carpal tunnel sufferers say their fingers feel useless and swollen, even though little or no swelling is apparent. As symptoms worsen, people might feel tingling during the day, and decreased grip strength may make it difficult to form a fist, grasp small objects, or perform other manual tasks.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a neck injury that usually occurs after a forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck, like the cracking of a whip. It commonly occurs during rear-end auto accidents, but the injury can also result from a sports accident, physical abuse, or other trauma.
Seeking Treatment For Numbness and Tingling
The common symptoms of whiplash include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, pain in the shoulder or between the shoulder blades, low back pain, and numbness or tingling in the arm or hand. Numbness is a sign that a nerve or the spinal cord might be injured. Symptoms usually appear within 24 hours after the incident, but they may also occur or get worse several days later.
While it's common to experience temporary numbness or tingling due to harmless situations like sitting in a position that puts pressure on a nerve, persistent or recurrent sensations of numbness and tingling shouldn't be ignored. They may signify conditions like herniated discs, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, or whiplash.
These conditions may have severe implications if left untreated, and early detection can prevent further complications. Therefore, if you experience persistent numbness and tingling, especially when combined with other symptoms such as pain, weakness, or changes in bowel or bladder function, it is crucial to seek medical advice promptly.
The treatment for these conditions can vary from conservative measures like physical therapy and medication to more invasive approaches like surgery, depending on the severity and the underlying cause of the symptoms. It is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, good posture, and ergonomically-friendly work practices, to minimize the risk of developing these conditions.
Remember, your health is your wealth, and ignoring signs that something might be amiss could result in long-term problems. Always listen to your body; it often tells you when something isn't right.
How We Treat Numbness and Tingling
When nerve complications arise due to upper cervical spine misalignment, the most effective way to address the root cause and reestablish proper nerve function is through spinal realignment. This is where Dr. Bejian Shamloo can offer invaluable assistance in treating numbness and tingling in the body.
As an expert in upper cervical care, Dr. Shamloo employs cutting-edge 3D imaging technology to analyze patients' spinal conditions and determine the exact measurements and angles of their vertebrae. This precise information enables him to accurately identify misalignments. Armed with these specific calculations, he is able to make the necessary adjustments to the spine, thus restoring nerve functionality. Once realigned, the body can naturally initiate the healing process.
If you're experiencing numbness and tingling sensations, we invite you to book an appointment with Upper Spine Knoxville. Dr. Shamloo provides comprehensive upper cervical chiropractic care to patients in Knoxville, Alcoa, Maryville, Farragut, Clinton, Oak Ridge, Sevierville, Lenoir City, Karns, Hardin Valley, Powell, Halls, Fountain City in Tennessee, and the surrounding regions.