Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet can be a sign of several different health problems, including carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral nerve problems, and cervical spine misalignments. As well, Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet can also be a symptom of more serious health problems. If you’re experiencing episodic or continuous numbness or tingling, it could be an early indicator of diabetes, thyroid disease, or heart issues.
Signs and Symptoms of Numbness and Tingling in the Hands and Feet
As the name suggests, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet are characterized by a lack of feeling or sensation in the extremities. In some cases, sensation in the hands and/or feet may be completely absent, while in others, the numbness may be accompanied by a prickling or tingling sensation.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Numbness and Tingling in the Hands and Feet
The upper cervical spine is the part of the spine that protects the spinal cord and connects the skull to the neck. Because of its proximity to the central nervous system (CNS) and brainstem, injuries to the upper cervical spine can have a profound effect on the rest of the body.
Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet can be the result of a variety of spine-related problems but the most common cause is a vertebral misalignment in the upper cervical spine. These misalignments can place pressure on the spinal cord, inflaming the surrounding musculature and causing nerve pinching and/or local CNS signal disruption. Left untreated, inflammation and pressure around the spinal cord can lead to a wide range of nerve-related issues in the extremities, from numbness and tingling to generalized pain and muscle spasms.
How Our Treatment for Numbness and Tingling Works
All too often, people with numbness and tingling in the hands and feet have tried to treat their symptoms with over-the-counter painkillers or anti-inflammatory medications only to find that these remedies have only temporarily reduced their discomfort. For many people, the underlying problem in the upper cervical spine has gone untreated, and the symptoms have persisted.
At our office, we believe that it’s important to address the cause of the problem rather than just treating the symptoms. Our treatment begins with a thorough examination of your neck and upper back. Using gentle X-rays and cone-beam computed tomography, our expert chiropractor, Dr. Bello, will pinpoint the exact angle and location of any upper cervical vertebral misalignments.
Once the source of the problem is identified, Dr. Bello will target the affected area by performing a series of precise spinal corrections. These corrections will realign the misaligned vertebrae and relieve pressure on the spinal cord and CNS, reducing if not eliminating the symptoms of numbness and tingling in the hands and feet.
If you are looking for an alternative and natural treatment for numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, Dr. Bello can help. He services patients in Westwood, Santa Monica, Brentwood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Los Angeles, Marina Del Rey, West Los Angeles, and the surrounding areas.