Chiropractic and Paresthesia - numbness and tingling - (hands)

Description

Numbness and tingling sensations may be sporadic or chronic. There may have been a slow gradual onset or it may come on suddenly.

1. Paresthesias: spontaneous, abnormal sensations, described as “pins and needles” or tingling.
2. Dysethesias: irritating sensations evoked by normal stimuli such as light touch.

Causes

Numbness and tingling sensations, whether constant or sporadic, may be due to a pathological involvement of neural tissue. More often than not however, it is a reversible irritation of nerve fibers by structural, chemical, or emotional factors or any combination of the three. Listed are some of the most common causes of paresthesia:

	Metabolic disorders (diabetes, uremia etc.)
	Vertebral subluxation (malposition) in the cervical spine
	Herniated cervical disc
	Cervical nerve root irritation
	Peripheral nerve irritation or compression (shoulder, arm, hand)
	Ischemia (inadequate blood circulation)
	Muscle tension
	Myofascial trigger points
	Irritation of soft tissue: vertebral discs, joint capsules, muscles, tendons and ligaments
	Spinal canal or foraminal stenosis
	Muscle weakness
	Sedentary lifestyle
	Repetitive movement
	Hyperinsulinism / blood sugar handling
	Central nervous system disorders (multiple sclerosis, ALS etc.)
	Liver or kidney disease
	Tumor
	Alcohol or drug related
	Residual effects of trauma (whiplash, fracture etc.)
	Side effects of medication
	Anxiety or depression
	Problems with teeth (past dental work)

Chiropractic / Applied Kinesiology Approach to Numbness and Tingling Sensations

Sometimes the cause of numbness and tingling sensations is as simple as a vertebrae in the cervical spine being locked out of place. However, this is not usually the case, in fact there is usually more than one cause. It is therefore necessary to consider the entire state of a patient’s health before proceeding with therapy.

As a Chiropractor using Applied Kinesiology, Dr. Morrison provides therapy that is based on the patient’s history, physical exam, and on clinical exams. As such, all three sides of the triad of health are addressed: structural, chemical and emotional.

When the root causes of numbness are arrived at and symptoms have been resolved, the patient is provided with counsel to maintain results. For some, this means ergonomic or dietary advice. For others nutritional supplementation combined with maintenance care therapy may be indicated.