What is Numbness & Tingling in the Hands and Feet?
A feeling of numbness and/or tingling in the hands and feet is a very general symptom and thus, could be an indicator of any number of conditions. While this symptom is not life-threatening on its own, it can be a source of irritation and stress when attempting to go about your daily activities. While diabetes is often cited as one of the primary causes of tingling or numb hands and feet, upper cervical spinal issues are a less considered, yet common, cause of this condition.
Signs & Symptoms
Broadly speaking, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet will feel like a prickling sensation that is accompanied by periods of complete loss of sensation in certain areas. The tingling you feel is not unlike what you might experience if you get pins and needles. However, if this condition is caused by nerve or neurological issues, it may feel more severe.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects This Condition
The central nervous system (CNS) acts as the body’s processing center, sending messages throughout the body in response to both internal and external stimuli. The CNS is located in the spinal cord and brain, making it particularly sensitive to any changes in the alignment of the vertebrae in this region. For instance, persistent vertebral misalignments can often induce inflammation around the spinal cord and brainstem, placing pressure on the CNS. Left untreated, this buildup of pressure can result in a cascade of signal interruptions and other neurological side effects, including numbness and tingling in the hands and feet.
How Our Treatment Works
Dr. Gordon Elder is a chiropractor who is a trained practitioner of the Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic Technique. This technique specifically focuses on identifying and targeting spinal misalignments to restore function to the spinal column, re-engage the body’s natural healing mechanisms, and treat the root cause of numbness and tingling in the hands and feet.
When treating numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, Dr. Elder utilizes advanced diagnostic techniques, such as 3-D imaging, in order to determine whether you are suffering from a spinal misalignment. You will be provided with a brief report outlining Dr. Elder’s findings and an explanation of the best course of action following your initial appointments.
Then, Dr. Elder will perform a series of gentle, non-invasive adjustments in order to restore the upper cervical spine to its natural position. These adjustments are gentle, quick, and precise, so you will not experience any painful twisting, popping, or cracking.
After the first adjustment, patients will return to see Dr. Elder for regular, slightly spaced-out check-ups to make sure that the adjustment has stayed in place for three months. Over the course of three to five months, patients average between ten to fifteen appointments with Dr. Elder.
If the numbness and tingling in your hands and feet are precluding you from living a full life, please schedule an appointment to see Dr. Elder about your upper cervical spine. Dr. Elder’s office is located in Lubbock, Texas, though he also services El Paso, Odessa, Amarillo, Midland, and Abilene, in Texas, as well as Hobbs in 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.