Body numbness and tingling, medically referred to as paresthesia, are common sensations that many people experience at some point in their lives. These symptoms can be transient, lasting only a few moments, or chronic, persisting for extended periods. Understanding the causes and potential treatment options for these sensations is paramount, and among the diverse treatment alternatives, upper cervical chiropractic care is becoming increasingly recognized for its efficacy. This article explores the causes of body numbness and tingling and the role of upper cervical chiropractic care as a treatment option.
Causes of Body Numbness and Tingling
Peripheral Neuropathy: This term encompasses a range of conditions characterized by damage to the peripheral nerves. Common causes include diabetes, alcohol abuse, vitamin deficiencies, infections, and certain medications. The damage often results in a variety of symptoms, including numbness and tingling, often in the hands and feet.
Herniated Disc: This occurs when an intervertebral disc in the spine ruptures or bulges, exerting pressure on the surrounding nerves. The pressure can result in numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness, commonly in the neck, back, arms, or legs.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This condition arises from compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. Symptoms typically include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers.
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or Stroke: Sudden numbness or tingling, especially on one side of the body, can indicate a TIA or stroke, which occur due to reduced blood flow to the brain.
Multiple Sclerosis: This chronic disease of the central nervous system can produce numerous symptoms, including numbness and tingling, due to the deterioration of the protective covering of nerve fibers.
Role of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care
Upper cervical chiropractic care is a specialized branch of chiropractic that focuses on the two uppermost vertebrae in the neck, the atlas (C1) and the axis (C2). Misalignments in this area can cause a cascade of neurological and musculoskeletal problems throughout the body, including numbness and tingling.
In the context of paresthesia, upper cervical chiropractic care can help in several ways:
Correcting Spinal Misalignments: Misalignments, especially in the upper cervical region, can lead to nerve compression or irritation, causing symptoms such as numbness and tingling. Chiropractors use gentle, precise techniques to realign the spine, reducing pressure on the nerves.
Improving Circulation: Spinal misalignments can impede blood flow to the brain and peripheral nerves, potentially causing numbness and tingling. By restoring proper spinal alignment, upper cervical chiropractic care can enhance circulation.
Enhancing Nerve Function: By correcting misalignments, chiropractic care promotes optimal nerve function. This can improve nerve communication throughout the body, helping to resolve symptoms like numbness and tingling.
Managing Conditions like Herniated Disc: Chiropractic adjustments, in combination with other therapies, can help manage conditions like herniated disc, a common cause of numbness and tingling.
While numbness and tingling can have numerous causes, a comprehensive diagnostic approach is crucial to identify the underlying problem and devise an appropriate treatment strategy. Upper cervical chiropractic care can be a valuable part of this strategy, particularly when spinal misalignments or nerve compression are contributing factors. However, it's important to consult with healthcare professionals to discuss the most suitable treatment options based on individual circumstances. Ultimately, proper diagnosis and treatment can help individuals alleviate these distressing symptoms and restore their quality of life.
How We Treat Body Numbness and Tingling
As a practitioner of the Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic Technique, Dr. Gordon Elder dedicates his expertise in chiropractic care to address spinal misalignments. His specialized approach focuses on restoring the natural function of the spine, activating the body's inherent healing processes, and addressing the root causes of body numbness and tingling.
When it comes to managing such symptoms, Dr. Elder employs state-of-the-art diagnostic methods, such as 3-D imaging. These techniques allow him to accurately determine if a patient is dealing with spinal misalignment. Following your initial appointments, you can expect a concise report detailing Dr. Elder's findings and a proposed plan of action to tackle your condition.
To correct the issues, Dr. Elder will carry out a series of gentle and non-invasive adjustments, aimed at realigning your upper cervical spine to its natural position. The adjustments are quick, precise, and mild, ensuring that patients do not endure any uncomfortable twisting, popping, or cracking sensations.
Post-adjustment, patients are invited for periodic, moderately spaced follow-up visits over the course of three to five months, to confirm that the alignment holds for three months. On average, patients attend ten to fifteen sessions with Dr. Elder during this period.
If you're experiencing body numbness and tingling sensations, which are interfering with your daily life, don't hesitate to make an appointment with Dr. Elder to discuss your upper cervical spine health. His office is conveniently located in Lubbock, Texas, and he also provides his services to those in El Paso, Odessa, Amarillo, Midland, and Abilene, in Texas, as well as Hobbs, New Mexico.
Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.