We’ve all been there. You’ve been sitting in the same position for too long while watching a movie at The Flicks, or maybe you fell asleep on your arm after a long day of hiking the trails in the Boise foothills. You stand up or move, and suddenly, you are hit with that familiar, prickly “asleep” sensation. Usually, you shake it off, the blood rushes back, and you go about your day.
But what happens when that sensation doesn’t go away? Or what if it shows up out of nowhere when you haven’t been sitting awkwardly?
Experiencing persistent numbness or tingling in your hands or feet can be alarming. It’s a signal from your body that something isn’t communicating correctly. At Thrive Chiropractic, we believe that true health and wellness come from within, and our goal is to facilitate the body’s innate healing abilities. Ignoring these signals can affect your overall quality of life, turning simple tasks like buttoning a shirt or walking on the Greenbelt into unnecessarily frustrating challenges.
Let’s explore what might be causing these sensations and how chiropractic care can help you get back to feeling your best.
Understanding the “Pins and Needles”
That prickly feeling is officially called paresthesia, but you probably know it better as pins and needles. It often accompanies a loss of sensation or a feeling like the limb is heavy or “dead.” While it is easy to brush off as poor circulation or just “getting old,” it is often a sign of nerve damage or irritation that needs to be addressed before it becomes a long term issue.
Your nervous system is like a complex electrical grid. If a wire gets pinched or damaged, the signal to the lightbulb (in this case, your hands or feet) gets distorted. This distortion can manifest itself as pain, numbness, or tingling.
Common Culprits: What’s Causing the Tingling?
There are several reasons you might feel numbness or tingling in your hands and feet. These range from mechanical issues in the spine to broader, systemic health concerns.
1. Nerve Compression and Herniated Discs
One of the most common causes we see in our clinic is nerve compression stemming from the spine. The nerves that travel to your hands start in your neck (cervical spine), and the nerves that travel to your feet start in your lower back (lumbar spine).
If you have a herniated disc or a misalignment in your spine, that disc can press directly on the nerve root. This doesn’t always cause back or neck pain; sometimes, the primary symptom is a shooting nerve pain or tingling that travels all the way down to your fingers or toes. Our team treats the root cause to get you out of pain and back to feeling better, faster.
2. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
If the symptoms are isolated to your hands, specifically the thumb, index, and middle fingers, you might be dealing with carpal tunnel syndrome. This occurs when the median nerve gets compressed as it passes through the wrist. It is common in people who perform repetitive tasks, whether that’s typing away at a desk in downtown Boise or working in construction. Chiropractic adjustments can often help realign the bones in the wrist and elbow to relieve this pressure.
3. Peripheral Neuropathy
This term refers to damage to the peripheral nerves, which is the vast communication network that sends signals between your central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) and the rest of your body. When these nerves are damaged, the connection is disrupted. This often presents as numbness in your feet that gradually works its way up the legs.
4. Systemic Conditions and Deficiencies
Sometimes, the issue isn’t mechanical. Certain medical conditions can lead to neuropathy. For example, diabetes is a leading cause of nerve issues due to high blood sugar damaging nerve fibers. Additionally, a vitamin deficiency, particularly in Vitamin B-12, can be a sneaky culprit. Vitamin B-12 is crucial for nerve health, and lacking it can lead to sensation loss and fatigue. At Thrive, we offer Vitamin B-12 injections as part of our holistic wellness approach.
5. Autoimmune Diseases
In some cases, an autoimmune disease like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus can cause the body’s immune system to attack its own nerves, leading to inflammation and pain.
The Danger of Ignoring the Symptoms
While it can be tempting to “tough it out,” it’s crucial to understand that your nerves are delicate. If nerve compression continues for too long, it can lead to permanent damage and muscle weakness. You might notice you’re dropping objects more often, or you feel unstable when you walk. This isn’t just about comfort; it’s about maintaining your independence and ability to do the things you love.
We believe in treating our patients with a holistic approach, ensuring every aspect of your health is addressed. This means we don’t just look at your hand or foot; we look at the entire chain of command, from your brain down your spine and out to your extremities.
How Thrive Chiropractic can Help Numbness or Tingling in Your Hands or Feet
We treat the root cause, not just the symptoms. If your hands are tingling, we check your neck. If your feet are numb, we check your lower back and hips.
Our treatment plans are personalized and may include:
- Chiropractic Adjustments: To realign the spine and take pressure off the nerves.
- Spinal Decompression Therapy: To gently stretch the spine and relieve pressure on herniated discs.
- Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation: To strengthen the muscles supporting your spine and improve posture.
- Low-Level Laser Therapy: To reduce inflammation and promote nerve healing.
- Regenerative Medicine: For chronic cases where tissue repair is needed.
FAQs About Numbness and Tingling in the Feet or Hands
Can poor blood flow cause numbness?
Yes, restricted blood flow can cause temporary numbness (like when your foot falls asleep). However, if the sensation is chronic, it is more likely related to nerve issues. We can help determine if the cause is vascular or neurological.
Will I need surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome?
Not necessarily. Many cases of carpal tunnel syndrome respond very well to conservative care, including wrist adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and bracing. We aim to help you avoid the cycle of medication and doctor’s visits.
What does “loss of feeling” actually mean?
Loss of feeling, or anesthesia, means you cannot feel touch, heat, or cold in a specific area. This is a progression from tingling and indicates that the nerve signal is being completely blocked. This requires immediate attention to prevent permanent damage.
Can diet affect nerve pain?
Absolutely. High sugar intake and inflammatory foods can worsen nerve pain. Conversely, a diet rich in B vitamins and antioxidants supports nerve health. We can offer nutritional advice to help support your recovery journey.
Don’t Let Numbness Stop You from Thriving
You deserve to live a vibrant, pain-free life. Whether you are dealing with a pinched nerve from a weekend of yard work or a chronic condition, the team at Thrive Chiropractic is here to help you get back on track.
We are conveniently located in the heart of the Boise Bench, just off I-84 and Orchard Street. We are here to help you, so don’t wait until the tingling or numbness turns into something permanent!
Call us today or set up an appointment through the site to get started.
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