Numbness or a "pins and needles" sensation is often experienced in the arms or legs radiating into the hands or feet.
Numbness in the arms and hands may be a result of a cervical spinal nerve or a branch of it being irritated. This irritation can be a result of a cervical subluxation (misalignment). There are nerves that exit between two cervical vertebrae. When the joint is misaligned the nerve function becomes compromised and may result in "numbness" feeling. Inflammation or spasm of the muscles in the arm or forearm can also "pinch" a nerve and produce a "pins and needle feeling".
Legs and feet numbness can be caused by the same mechanism as in the arms and hands. A protrusion of the intervertebral disc (the gel layer will push the connective layer out of shape and bulge) or herniated intervertebral disc (protrusion bulges into the spinal column) can place pressure on a nerve producing numbness down the leg. The feet may be effected depending on what level disc is being irritated.
The majority of the population seeks medical help for a quick fix for pain relief. The medications that are prescribed help diminish the pain but do not treat the underlying cause of the dysfunction. The Doctor of Chiropractic looks for these causes.
The Chiropractor will perform an initial consultation and a detailed medical history. After the physical, orthopedic, and chiropractic examinations, radiographs of the area of chief complaint may be warranted for further diagnosis. Based on the findings the chiropractor gives a report of findings and a treatment plan, which will be discussed with the patient. Referrals to other practitioners are made if necessary.
Mass Ave Chiropractic Center
Dr. Daniel LaBell
313 Lunenburg Street, (Rt. 2A - Mass Ave), Fitchburg, MA 01420 - Only 500 yds. North of the John Fitch Hwy -
