Numbness and tingling are abnormal sensations that can occur anywhere in your body however, numbness and tingling in the arms and legs are the most common association and complaint.
Sensations related to numbness and tingling in the arms and legs are often caused by an interruption in proper nerve flow. Activities like sitting or standing in one position for a long period of time can cause a temporary pinch on the nerve thereby interrupting its conduction. Continuous pressure on a nerve can cause lasting damage to the layers of the nerve known as myelin sheaths.
There are many common causes of numbness and tingling in arms and legs. Some common causes include:
- Subluxation
- Disc Herniation’s
- Diabetes
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Stroke
- Transient Ischemic Attack
- Raynaud ‘s phenomenon
- Vitamin B12 Deficiency
How Your Chiropractor Can Relieve Numbness and Tingling in Arms and Legs
In the case of prolonged numbness and tingling in arms and legs, early detection and proper diagnosis by a Chiropractor, is of the utmost importance. Most causes of numbness and tingling are not serious and we can resolve quickly.
As holistic practitioners, chiropractors place the focus on the body as a whole rather than focusing on your numbness and tingling pain alone. By examining your spine, lifestyle, daily activities, diet and exercise we are able to not only identify the symptoms causing your arm and leg discomfort, but also the causes. This integrated approach helps determine the best and quickest treatment protocol for your arm and leg discomfort.
Chiropractors are uniquely qualified to restore the health of your joints, muscles, nerves and connective tissues. Chiropractic techniques that are focused on your spine may relieve the pressure that is causing your arm/leg numbness and tingling sensations. These chiropractic adjustments can help restore alignment, improve mobility, and relieve arm and leg pain, swelling and stiffness. Chiropractors may apply a variety of therapeutic modalities in conjunction with the chiropractic adjustment which may include but not be limited to moist heat, ice packs, electro-therapy, ultrasound, massage, traction, stretching and strengthening exercises.
Towards Wellness
Zinc
If you lack sex drive, consider increasing the mineral zinc in your diet. Zinc has been proven in several studies to be an important ingredient of a normal healthy sex drive. If you are constantly tired, not alert, have poor hair condition and are susceptible to colds consider Zinc. Zinc is vital for the body’s enzyme systems and you should be sure to consume adequate amounts of zinc through your food.
Wonderful food sources available are: Pumpkin seeds, nuts, egg yolks, rye wheat, germ and brewers yeast.
A word of warning – regular consumption of alcohol can lead to a zinc deficiency hence lowering your sex drive.
Tricep Stretch
- Stand straight up with your legs shoulder width apart
- Bend your left arm at the elbow and touch the top of your shoulder blade with your fingers
- Reach over the top of your head with your left arm and grap your right elbow
- Gently pull with you right arm to increase the tension on the tricep muscle
- Hold for 20-30 seconds
- Repeat on your other arm
