Pain or numbness in hands and feet often begin in the neck. This is the area where the sciatic nerve begins, and pain typically travels along the nerve’s path. However, the pain and numbness can also be attributed to the blockages in the blood vessels. Reduced blood flow can also increase the amount of numbness and pain that you may feel in your hands and/or feet.
The Different Reasons Why a Patient May Suffer With Numbness in Hands and Feet
There are various reasons why a person may begin to feel numbness in their hands or feet. Some of these reasons include:
- Repetitive micro-trauma such as regular weight lifting
- Macro-trauma such as a tackle during a football game
- Disc bulges
- Disc herniation
- Spinal misalignment
- Obesity
All of these reasons can increase inflammation to the affected area. Inflammation can not only cause pain and numbness, it can also cause tingling, loss of sensation and weakness.
Many normal body functions such as sneezing or coughing can also cause the feet to become numb. Numbness occurs because the nerves in the lower area of the back help with motor and sensory functions of the lower extremities. For example, a disc in the lower back may have been previously shifted and that micro-trauma has irritated a nerve causing the lumbar area of the spine to become inflamed.
Diabetes is another reason why a person may feel numbness in their feet. It is a widely known fact that diabetes can cause damage to the limbs of the body, especially the feet. If a patient begins to experience numbness in their legs or feet, it could be an indication that the body is experiencing complications from diabetes.
Other health disorders that can affect the hands and the feet are:
- Arthritis
- Pregnancy
- Hypertension
- Medications
- Osteoporosis
How Chiropractic Care Can Help With Numbness in Your Hands and Feet
If you are noticing that your extremities are numb, you should schedule an appointment with a chiropractor for an examination. Chiropractors are medical practitioners who have specialized training in treating spinal issues. The chiropractor will use various methods of testing to diagnose a patient, and recommend treatments such as physical therapy and intervertebral disc decompression.
You do not have to suffer with numbness in hands and feet without knowing the cause or receiving the proper treatment. A chiropractor can help you live a pain free and symptom free life.
Problems in the hands and feet may be a sign of a more serious problem. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Renee White at Champion Chiropractic today!