Tingling And Numbness

Exploring Causes, Associated Injuries, and Effective Treatment Solutions

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Tingling and numbness can disrupt your daily life in unexpected ways. Whether your hand “falls asleep” during work or your feet tingle with every step, these sensations can make even simple tasks frustrating. They may come and go or linger, making it difficult to grip objects, walk steadily, and feel temperature changes. While occasional episodes are harmless, ongoing symptoms can interfere with mobility, coordination, and safety. Left unaddressed, they may affect work, sleep, and overall quality of life. Understanding what’s behind these sensations is the first step in finding relief.

What Are Tingling And Numbness?

Also known as paresthesia^[1], tingling and numbness are abnormal sensations that can affect any part of the body. However, they’re most common in the hands, feet, arms, and legs. You might feel a pins-and-needles sensation, a loss of feeling, or even a burning or prickling discomfort.

These sensations can happen briefly or persist for longer periods. Almost everyone experiences paresthesia at some point^[2], like when a limb falls asleep. While occasional tingling is normal, frequent or persistent numbness can interfere with daily life and may signal an underlying issue.

Possible Causes Of Tingling And Numbness

Tingling and numbness can stem from various factors, ranging from temporary pressure on a nerve to more serious health conditions. Some possible causes include:

Prolonged Pressure On Nerves

You’ve probably felt your foot fall asleep after sitting too long in an awkward position, or perhaps you’ve woken up with a numb arm. This happens when pressure on a nerve disrupts blood flow and sensation. Usually, the feeling fades once you move, but frequent or prolonged compression—from poor posture, tight clothing, or repetitive movements—can lead to ongoing tingling and numbness.

Poor Posture And Ergonomics

Slouching at your desk or sitting in one position for too long can put strain on your nerves, leading to tingling and numbness. You might notice it in your hands, arms, or legs after hours of working at a computer or standing with poor alignment. An unsupportive chair, improper desk setup, or repetitive movements can worsen the problem over time.

Vitamin And Mineral Deficiencies

Your nerves rely on essential vitamins and minerals to function correctly. A lack of B vitamins, especially B12, can lead to tingling and numbness by damaging nerve function. Low magnesium or potassium levels may also cause these sensations by affecting muscle and nerve signaling.

Repetitive Motion And Overuse

Repeating the same movements—like typing, texting, or using tools—can strain your nerves and lead to tingling or numbness. Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome often develop from repeated wrist or hand movements, causing nerve compression. Overuse can also lead to inflammation, reducing blood flow and irritating nerves.

Exposure To Toxins

Certain toxins can damage nerves, causing tingling and numbness. Heavy metals like mercury and lead, industrial chemicals, and some pesticides can interfere with nerve function. Long-term exposure increases the risk, especially in workplaces with poor ventilation or high chemical use. Some medications, including chemotherapy drugs, can also cause nerve-related symptoms.

Underlying Medical Conditions

Tingling and numbness can sometimes signal an underlying medical condition affecting your nerves, circulation, or overall health. If these sensations persist or worsen, they may indicate a serious medical issue that needs attention. Some common conditions include:

Multiple sclerosis: This autoimmune disease damages the protective covering of nerves, leading to numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness.
Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid can slow nerve function, causing tingling or numbness, especially in the hands and feet.
Rheumatoid arthritis: Inflammation from this autoimmune condition can put pressure on nerves, leading to persistent tingling and discomfort.
Lyme disease: Lyme disease is a tick-borne infection that can affect the nervous system, sometimes causing tingling, numbness, and nerve pain.
Fibromyalgia: This chronic pain condition often includes nerve-related symptoms like tingling, numbness, and sensitivity to touch.
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD): Reduced blood flow to the limbs due to narrowed arteries can lead to numbness, tingling, and muscle cramping.
Restless legs syndrome: This neurological disorder causes uncomfortable tingling sensations in the legs, often worsening at night.

Conditions That Could Be Causing Your Tingling And Numbness

Compass Pain and Wellness offers treatments for various conditions that affect nerve function, circulation, and overall mobility. Whether your symptoms stem from chronic illness, injury, or an underlying medical issue, our team provides personalized, evidence-based care to help you find relief. Here are some conditions we treat that may cause tingling and numbness:

Cervical Radiculopathy

Cervical radiculopathy is nerve compression in the neck causing pain, tingling, or weakness in shoulders, arms, or hands.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease is disc wear over time, causing back pain, stiffness, and possible nerve compression symptoms.

Failed Back Surgical Syndrome

Failed Back Surgical Syndrome is ongoing or worsening pain after spine surgery, often due to nerve issues or scar tissue.

Lumbar Herniated Disc

A lumbar herniated disc happens when disc material presses a nerve, causing back pain, leg pain, or numbness.

Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction causes lower back, buttock, or leg pain due to joint inflammation or misalignment.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is spinal canal narrowing that compresses nerves, causing pain, numbness, weakness, or walking issues.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy is nerve damage causing tingling, pain, numbness, or weakness, often in the hands or feet.

Cervical Herniated Disc

A cervical herniated disc compresses neck nerves, causing pain, arm tingling, numbness, or weakness.

Disc Herniation

Disc herniation is when disc gel pushes out, irritating nerves and causing pain, nerve compression, or radiating discomfort.

Idiopathic Neuropathy

Idiopathic neuropathy is nerve damage without a known cause, causing numbness, tingling, pain, or muscle weakness.

Radiculopathy

Radiculopathy is spinal nerve compression causing pain, tingling, weakness, or numbness in the arms or legs.

Sciatica

Sciatica is sciatic nerve irritation causing sharp pain from the lower back down through the buttock and leg.

Injuries Linked To Pins And Needles Sensation

Injuries can affect your nerves or blood flow, leading to tingling and numbness. Trauma, repetitive strain, or post-surgical complications may put pressure on nerves, causing persistent discomfort. If you’ve noticed tingling after an injury, it could mean your nerves are involved. Here are some common injuries that can cause these sensations:

Whiplash after a car accident: A sudden back-and-forth motion of the neck can stretch or compress nerves, leading to tingling, numbness, and stiffness.
Back injury from a car accident: Spinal trauma can pinch or damage nerves, causing radiating tingling or numbness in the back, legs, or feet.
Neck injury after a car accident: Strains, sprains, or nerve compression in the neck can lead to tingling sensations in the shoulders, arms, or hands.
Spinal cord injury from a car accident: Spinal cord damage can disrupt nerve signals, causing numbness, tingling, or even loss of sensation below the injury site.
Leg injury from an accident: Fractures, muscle trauma, or nerve compression in the leg can cause persistent tingling or weakness.
Shoulder injury from a car accident: Nerve irritation or joint damage in the shoulder can result in tingling, numbness, or reduced mobility.
Hand injuries in the workplace: Repetitive strain, crush injuries, or nerve compression from workplace accidents can lead to tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hands.
Muscle strain after a car accident: Overstretched or torn muscles can cause inflammation, pressing on nearby nerves and leading to tingling sensations.
Neck sprain from a car accident: Ligament damage in the neck can irritate nerves, causing tingling and numbness in the upper body.
Bike accident shoulder injury: Impact from a fall or collision can compress nerves in the shoulder, leading to tingling and numbness in the arm and hand.

Diagnosing The Cause Of Paresthesia Symptoms

Identifying the cause of paresthesia starts with understanding what’s affecting your nerves. Whether it’s an injury, a medical condition, or a circulatory issue, proper diagnosis is key to effective treatment. Different tests help pinpoint the source of tingling and numbness, allowing for a targeted approach to relief.

Medical history: Your physician will ask about your symptoms, lifestyle, past injuries, and any existing health conditions to identify potential triggers.
Physical exam: A hands-on evaluation checks for muscle weakness, reflex changes, or areas of nerve sensitivity to determine possible nerve involvement.
Nerve conduction studies and electromyography (EMG): These tests measure how well nerves transmit signals and assess muscle response, helping detect nerve damage or dysfunction.
Blood tests: Lab work can reveal vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune conditions, infections, or metabolic disorders that may contribute to nerve-related symptoms.
Advanced imaging for nerve or spinal issues: MRI or CT scans provide detailed views of the nerves and spine, helping identify herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or other structural problems.

At-Home Solutions For Tingling And Numbness Relief

Managing tingling and numbness at home can help reduce discomfort and support long-term nerve health. While these remedies won’t replace professional care, they can ease symptoms and enhance the effectiveness of medical treatments.

RICE method: Rest, ice, compression, and elevation help reduce swelling and nerve pressure, easing tingling and improving circulation.
Over-the-counter medications: Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen may relieve mild tingling caused by nerve irritation or inflammation.
Stretching and movement: Gentle stretches and low-impact exercises, like yoga or walking, improve circulation and reduce nerve compression, helping relieve tingling and stiffness.
Hydration and proper nutrition: Staying hydrated and consuming essential electrolytes and minerals supports nerve function. Deficiencies in these nutrients can contribute to tingling and numbness.
Stress and relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation reduce stress-related nerve sensitivity, improving circulation and easing tingling sensations.

We Offer Evidence-Based Approaches for Managing Tingling or Numbness

Tingling and numbness may seem harmless at first, but they can indicate underlying nerve issues. Recognizing these symptoms early provides the best opportunity to prevent further complications. Simple lifestyle changes, at-home care, and medical treatment may help restore nerve function and improve daily comfort.

If these sensations persist or worsen, don’t ignore them. A professional evaluation can help identify the cause and determine the most appropriate treatment for lasting relief.

Treatments for Tingling And Numbness at Compass Pain and Wellness may include the following:

For a full list of all treatments we provide, click here.

Medication Therapy

Medication therapy uses tailored prescriptions to reduce chronic pain and improve daily function and comfort.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture stimulates targeted points on the body to reduce pain, support healing, and restore energy balance.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care improves spinal alignment and joint function to reduce pain and enhance physical mobility.

Epidural Steroid Injection

Epidural steroid injections reduce spinal inflammation to ease pain radiating from nerve compression or irritation.

Intracept

Intracept targets nerves inside the vertebrae to relieve chronic low back pain linked to vertebral endplate changes.

Joint Injections

Joint injections deliver medication into affected joints to relieve inflammation and improve range of motion.

Massage

Massage therapy eases muscle tension and improves circulation to support pain relief and overall well-being.

Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness and meditation help manage chronic pain by reducing stress and promoting emotional resilience.

Nerve Block

Nerve blocks interrupt pain signals from specific nerves to reduce chronic or procedure-related discomfort.

Peripheral Nerve Stimulation

Peripheral nerve stimulation sends mild electrical signals to disrupt chronic pain from damaged peripheral nerves.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy improves strength, flexibility, and mobility while addressing pain from injury or chronic conditions.

Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation targets specific nerves to interrupt pain signals and provide lasting pain relief.

Sacroiliac Joint Fusion

SI joint fusion stabilizes the pelvis to relieve lower back or hip pain caused by joint dysfunction or instability.

Spinal Cord Stimulation

Spinal cord stimulation delivers electrical pulses to block nerve pain and reduce discomfort in the back or limbs.

Trigger Point Injections

Trigger point injections treat muscle knots by relaxing tense tissue and relieving localized pain or stiffness.

Our Providers

Meet our experienced and compassionate team of doctors who specialize in helping you manage your condition. With a patient-centered approach, our doctors work to understand your unique needs and provide compassionate, personalized care. Trust our providers to guide you on your journey to better health and improved well-being.

Dr. Kristi Reed, MD

Dr. Randolph Cribbs, MD

Dr. Carl Balog, MD

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