Feeling tingling, burning, or numbness in your hands or feet can be alarming, especially when these sensations appear suddenly or don’t go away. Often, these symptoms are your body’s way of telling you that something isn’t quite right. Understanding the cause is the first step toward finding lasting relief, and chiropractic care can play a key role in addressing the root of the problem.
Common Causes of Tingling and Numbness
Tingling and numbness (often described as “pins and needles”) can stem from several different conditions. Some of the most common include:
Nerve Compression or Irritation
When nerves become pinched or compressed, often in the spine or neck, they can’t properly send signals to the rest of the body. This can lead to tingling and numbness, as well as weakness in the hands, arms, legs, or feet. Nerves typically become compressed from herniated discs, joint restrictions, spinal misalignments, and tight muscles.
Sciatica is a common condition caused by nerve compression. It causes tingling and numbness, as well as burning pain in the lower back, down the hip and butt, and down into the leg.
Poor Circulation
Restricted blood flow can limit oxygen and nutrient delivery to nerves and tissues, making you feel like your extremities are “falling asleep.”
Peripheral Neuropathy
This condition involves damage to the peripheral nerves, which are the network of nerves outside the central nervous system. It is usually caused by diabetes, injury, genetics, or other underlying health issues. It commonly results in tingling, burning, or a loss of sensation in the hands, wrists, ankles, and feet.
Carpal Tunnel or Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Compression of the nerves in the wrist and ankle can cause numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands and feet, respectively. Carpel tunnel and tarsal tunnel syndrome can both be caused by repetitive motions, injuries, and conditions such as diabetes and arthritis.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a long-term condition that affects both the brain and spinal cord. MS causes protective coverings on nerve fibers to break down, leading to disruptions in nerve signal transmission and tingling and numbness in the extremities. These sensations are often the first indication that a person could be suffering from MS.
Vitamin Deficiencies or Other Health Issues
A lack of certain vitamins, such as B12, or conditions, like thyroid disease, can also contribute to nerve-related symptoms. A poor or restrictive diet can lead to an inadequate intake of important vitamins.
Tingling and numbness can also result from certain infections, such as Lyme disease, and autoimmune diseases, including lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Chiropractic care focuses on restoring proper alignment to the spine and improving nervous system function. When your spine becomes misaligned, it can put pressure on nerves, disrupt communication between the brain and body, and cause symptoms like tingling and numbness.
Here’s how chiropractic treatment may help:
Spinal Adjustments — Gentle, targeted adjustments help correct misalignments (subluxations) in the spine, relieving pressure on irritated nerves and improving nerve flow to the affected areas.
Posture and Movement Correction — Chiropractors can identify postural habits or movement patterns that may be contributing to nerve compression, then guide you on proper ergonomics and exercises to prevent recurrence.
Soft Tissue Therapy — Muscle tension and inflammation can worsen nerve irritation. Soft tissue techniques can help relax tight muscles and improve blood flow to promote healing.
Improved Circulation and Nerve Function — By addressing the structural causes of nerve interference, chiropractic care helps enhance circulation and restore the body’s natural ability to heal and function.
When to See a Chiropractor
If you’re experiencing frequent tingling or numbness in your hands or feet, it’s important not to ignore it. Persistent symptoms could be a sign of nerve compression or another underlying condition that would resolve without professional intervention. A chiropractor can evaluate your spine, posture, and overall nerve health to determine the best course of action.
You should seek urgent medical attention if you experience the following in addition to tingling and numbness:
- Confusion, trouble speaking, concentrating, or understanding
- Numbness or weakness on one side of your body
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Dizziness or trouble walking
- Blurred vision
These symptoms could be a sign of stroke or another serious medical condition.
Don’t Ignore Tingling or Numbness
Tingling and numbness are more than just uncomfortable sensations — they’re signals from your body that something is off. Chiropractic care offers a natural, non-invasive solution to nerve irritation, helping improve circulation and restore balance to your body. By addressing the root cause instead of just the symptoms, chiropractic treatment can help you find lasting relief and get back to living comfortably.