Numbness
Numbness can occur in various parts of the body, including the hands, feet, arms, legs, face, or other areas. This sensation usually means that you have lost or reduced sensation in a specific part of your body. It can manifest as a tingling, prickling, or ”pins and needles” sensation. Numbness is often a signal from your body that something is wrong and can be a sign of various underlying problems.
Numbness can also be accompanied by other symptoms. Tingling in the body is a common accompanying symptom, where it feels like small pins or needles in the affected body part. Weakness is another possible accompanying sensation, which can make it difficult to use the affected body part in a normal way. Some people also experience a feeling of losing control over the area affected by numbness.
Cause & common symptoms of numbness
Numbness usually occurs when there is some kind of nerve-related disorder. It can be caused by a variety of factors. Here, we take a closer look at some of the most common causes of numbness.
Nerve Compression
Numping can occur when there is pressure on a nerve. This pressure can occur for a number of reasons, including back injuries, herniated discs (when the soft core of a vertebra is squeezed out), muscle tightness, or even the presence of a tumor. When a nerve is compressed, its normal function can be affected, leading to numbness in the areas that the nerves supply sensation.
Nerve Damage
Nerve damage is another common cause of numbness. This can occur as a result of trauma, such as an accident or surgery. When nerves are damaged, they can send incorrect signals to the brain, causing numbness and other sensory changes in the affected body part.
Nerve Inflammation
Inflammation of the nerves can be another source of numbness. This inflammation can occur as a result of diseases such as Guillain-Barré syndrome or multiple sclerosis. In these cases, nerve function is negatively affected, resulting in numbness and other neurological symptoms.
Circulatory problems
Numbness can also occur when there is reduced blood flow to a certain part of the body. This can be due to a variety of factors, including atherosclerosis, blood clots, or vascular disease. When blood flow is inadequate, the tissue in the affected area cannot receive enough oxygen and nutrients, which can lead to numbness and tingling sensations.
It is important to note that numbness can vary in duration and intensity. Sometimes it can be temporary and go away on its own, while other times it can be long-lasting and recurring. If you are experiencing numbness or tingling, we recommend that you consult a doctor and seek treatment to make your everyday life pain-free.
How is numbness treated?
Before we perform a treatment for numbness, we always do a proper examination and look at the entirety of your problem. Many times, the pain you are experiencing can originate from another or more places in the body. A chiropractor can potentially help you with numbness, especially if it is due to problems related to the spine or nervous system.
A chiropractor can use various manual techniques to relieve tension and improve mobility in one or more joints and the area around your problem. This can include joint manipulation, soft tissue therapy, muscle stretching, but also advice on rehabilitation training and ergonomics. If necessary, we cooperate with other healthcare providers and ensure that you receive the right type of care.
