Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet are common occurrences. Some people refer to it as “pins and needles,” or may think of it as a limb “falling asleep.”
Usually, a numb or tingly feeling in the hand or foot is not a serious problem, however, it could be a warning sign of a more severe condition. Frequent episodes of numbness and tingling of the extremities may be due to diabetes, heart problems, thyroid issues, and sometimes the root of the problem lies in the upper cervical spine.
Signs and Symptoms of Numbness and Tingling in the Hands or Feet
Numbness and tingling are generally characterized by a dulling of sensation in the hands and feet. In more extreme episodes, there may be a complete loss of feeling in the afflicted area, and the extremity may feel heavy and clumsy.
The numbness is often accompanied by a sensation that feels like prickling on the skin. And, the tingling may be gentle, or the entire area may feel like it is buzzing. When the condition is more severe, there may also be muscle spasms. The length and severity of episodes of numbness and tingling may vary.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Numbness and Tingling in the Hands and Feet
The brain constantly sends messages through the spinal cord to the Central Nervous System, telling it how to respond to stimuli. And, the upper cervical spine is made up of the top seven vertebrae in the neck, making this a very vulnerable area. Any sudden jarring of the head can cause a misalignment of these vertebrae.
When the upper cervical spine is misaligned, it can cause a domino effect of problems that cascade down through the entire body. Misaligned vertebrae may cause inflammation, swelling, or the pinching of nerves that disrupt the signals sent by the brain. When these signals are interrupted, it can cause many problems, including numbness and tingling in the hands and feet.
How We Treat Numbness and Tingling in the Hands and Feet
The Blair Chiropractic Technique targets misalignments of the upper cervical spine using state-of-the-art 3D imaging tools. Once pinpointed, gentle manipulations are applied to correct the alignment so that the body may be restored to its natural, healthy state.
Dr. Christina Coblish and Dr. Ryan Moeskau of Upper Cervical Chiropractic of Boulder specialize in the Blair Chiropractic Technique and utilize it to realign the upper cervical spine. With an effective, gentle, safe, drug-free treatment, our doctors bring relief to patients and eliminate the discomfort caused by numbness and tingling of the hands and feet.
If numbness and tingling in the hands and feet is getting in the way of your day-to-day life, please get in touch with Dr. Coblish and Dr. Moeskau for an appointment. Located in Boulder, Colorado, Upper Cervical Chiropractic of Boulder also services Broomfield, Denver, Erie, Lafayette, Longmont, and Louisville.