Paresthesia, known as an abnormal sensation of tingling, prickling, or a burning sensation, can be a bothersome and concerning condition for many — often causing extreme discomfort and annoyance in those experiencing chronic recurrence. While many cases of paresthesia are dismissable as a temporary annoyance resulting from changes in body temperature or poor circulation, recurring symptoms can indicate a much more severe and concerning issue.
As your nerve networks emanate from the spinal column, focusing on proper alignment and spinal manipulation with an experienced chiropractor can help calm down your nervous system and find the relief you need to live a healthy and happy life. Here, we will take a closer look at the effects of paresthesia and the role of chiropractors in treating and preventing tingling sensations in the hands and feet.
The Significance of the Nervous System and Its Relationship to Spinal Health
The nervous system is the body’s central hub for communication, transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body. For example, when you touch something hot and burn yourself, the nerves in your hand send pain signals to your brain, signaling that you’ve been injured and triggering the body’s healing process. When we experience the world through our senses, our nervous system transmits all the information we receive to the brain, where we can process and react.
Nerves branch out to every body part, including our hands, feet, fingers, and toes. This sensory information travels along nerve pathways, converging onto central “nerve highways” within the spinal cord before ascending to the brain. The spinal cord, a thick bundle of nerves protected by the vertebrae, is the primary conduit for these bodily signals.
However, misalignments in the spine, known as subluxations, can interfere with these vital nerve pathways. These misalignments can put pressure on nerves, disrupting the flow of information and potentially leading to symptoms like tingling, numbness, or pain in the extremities. Chiropractic care focuses on correcting these spinal misalignments through gentle adjustments. By restoring proper alignment, chiropractors can help relieve pressure on the nerves, improving communication between the body and brain.
Common Causes of Paresthesia
Paresthesia can be triggered by injuries or environmental factors like temperature extremes. However, because sensory information travels through the nervous system and up the spine, spinal problems can also disrupt these pathways, resulting in tingling and other paresthetic symptoms. These spinal issues include:
Pinched Nerves in The Neck (Cervical Radiculopathy): This condition occurs when a nerve in the neck is compressed or irritated, causing neck pain and tingling in the shoulders or arms. Pinched nerves can occur due to herniated discs in the cervical spine, bone spurs, car accident injuries, such as whiplash, or spinal canal narrowing.
Pinched Nerves in The Lower Back (Lumbar Radiculopathy): Similar to experiencing pinched nerves in the neck, lumbar radiculopathy typically occurs when nerves in the lower back are compressed or irritated, causing tingling in the legs and feet.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS): While not directly a spinal issue, TOS is the compression of nerves and blood vessels in the space between the collarbone and the first rib. Chiropractors can alleviate symptoms of TOS through spinal and rib manipulations that improve posture and reduce thoracic pressure.
Degenerative Disc Disease: As we age, the discs between our spinal vertebrae begin to lose their elasticity, making them more prone to herniation and nerve compression. As these discs compress nerves, signals in the body are blocked, contributing to tingling and numbness in the extremities.
Treating Tingling and Numbness With Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive and drug-free approach to treating tingling, numbness, and other forms of paresthesia in the hands and feet that originate from spinal issues and misalignments. As musculoskeletal experts, chiropractors are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the spine and nervous system. They utilize various techniques, including spinal manipulation (adjustments), soft tissue therapies, postural correction, therapeutic exercises, and lifestyle counseling, to address the underlying causes of these symptoms.
This comprehensive approach to paresthesia goes beyond simply treating the symptoms. Chiropractic adjustments correct spinal misalignments, relieve nerve pressure, reduce muscle tension, and improve spinal mobility. Soft tissue therapies, such as massage, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy, address muscle imbalances and release tension, improving posture and reducing nerve compression. Chiropractors also provide guidance on postural correction, recommend ergonomic adjustments, and prescribe therapeutic exercises to strengthen supporting muscles and improve flexibility, preventing future episodes of paresthesia.
Chiropractors also offer lifestyle advice to promote long-term relief, including stress management, nutrition, sleep hygiene, and proper lifting techniques to contribute to overall health and long-term relief. These holistic approaches address the root causes of nerve irritation, offering a drug-free and effective option for managing and preventing paresthesia and other effects of tingling and numbness.
Finding Relief With Chiropractic Experts
Chiropractic care aims to decrease pain, reduce reliance on medication, and improve overall well-being by targeting the root cause of these issues. During an initial consultation, the chiropractor will take a detailed medical history, perform a physical examination, and order diagnostic imaging to create a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs, wants, and lifestyle choices.
In addition to chiropractic care, at-home strategies can enhance recovery and nerve health. Maintaining good posture, engaging in regular exercise (while avoiding exacerbating activities), managing stress, maintaining a healthy weight, and following a balanced diet are all important.
However, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention for sudden onset of tingling or numbness, tingling or numbness accompanied by weakness, paralysis, or loss of bowel or bladder control, or tingling or numbness that worsens over time, as these may indicate a more serious underlying medical condition.
Restore Function and Feeling With Denver Chiropractors
Tingling and numbness can be a frustrating and concerning experience. Luckily, chiropractic care offers a valuable approach to addressing and identifying underlying causes of tingling and numbness. Through spinal manipulations and treating areas of increased nerve compression, chiropractors deliver treatment that restores function and feeling in your extremities for a better quality of life. Denver Integrated Spine Center utilizes comprehensive care and tailored treatment plans to address the individual needs of every patient.
Denver Integrated Spine Center is the leading chiropractic clinic in the Denver Metro area, providing top-quality care to a diverse range of patients. From athletes experiencing tingling due to injury or overuse to individuals seeking relief from the stresses of desk work, our chiropractors are dedicated to helping you improve your well-being. For more information or to book an appointment, visit our scheduling page or call us at (303) 758-9000.