Our patients often task the team at F.I.T. Muscle & Joint Clinic with treatment for numbness and tingling in Kansas City. Numbness and tingling is often described as a “pins and needles” sensation. This may be caused by irritation of a nerve or multiple nerves in a specific area of the body. It is not an uncommon sensation experienced by the general population; at some point, most of us have experienced our leg or arm “falling asleep.” When this happens, it is likely due to poor body position that causes temporary compression on a specific nerve. In these instances, a change in position usually relieves this sensation. It is a common and mostly negligible occurrence.
Concern is warranted, however, when similar sensations occur repeatedly and without provocation.
How are nerves irritated?
When it comes to the musculoskeletal system, nerves can be affected anywhere along the line of the nerve, thanks to other structures in the body. This is known as mechanical irritation, in which the muscles, connective tissue, and bones interfere with nerve function through either compression, chemical irritation, and/or tension.
Cases that fall into the category of mechanical irritation include herniated discs that irritate the nerve as it exits the spine, peripheral nerve entrapments such as carpal tunnel syndrome that cause symptoms at the terminal end of the nerve, or postural deficits that create excess stress around the nerve (think prolonged desk work).
Below is a short, non-comprehensive list of other potential causes of numbness and tingling:
- Diabetic neuropathy (This is a term describing nerve damage resulting from long-term, and usually unmanaged, diabetes. This is the most common cause of numbness and tingling experienced in the hands, arms, feet, and legs.)
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Infection
- Chronic inflammatory conditions (ex. rheumatoid arthritis)
- Alcoholism
The best way to determine the cause of numbness and tingling is with a thorough examination. This is the job of the doctors at F.I.T. Muscle & Joint Clinic: to determine where the irritation is occurring and which tissues are responsible.
Treatment of numbness and tingling in Kansas City
Our primary goal when treating numbness and tingling in Kansas City is to reduce the symptoms of mechanical nerve irritation. However, the root cause or underlying issue creating the numbness and tingling must also be addressed and eliminated.
Whether through utilization of various soft tissue techniques, education on posture and exercises to get the nerve moving normally, or reducing overall irritation, treatment should be multifactorial for lasting benefit.
It’s important to note that our nerves undergo long-term changes; if left untreated for a significant period of time, numbness and tingling may become permanent.
Learn more from F.I.T. Muscle & Joint Clinic
Each patient is different and responds differently to various therapies offered. The benefits of physical therapy in Kansas City cannot be overstated! The doctors at F.I.T. Muscle & Joint Clinic are experts at tailoring a treatment plan specific for your dysfunctions and goals.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more by using our free Virtual Consultation Tool.
