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 (misaligned vertebrae)
- 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 the Arms and Legs
In the case of prolonged numbness and tingling in the 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 these 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 can 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 may 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, dry needling, cold lazer, massage, traction, stretching and strengthening exercises.
Towards Wellness: Be Posture Conscious 
If you are on your feet a lot, the best thing you can do is be aware of your posture. Try not to slouch or put all of your weight on one hip or leg – that’s asking for trouble. Instead, make sure that your weight is evenly distributed across your whole foot (not just the heels) and imagine you’ve left a coat hanger in your top. It sounds silly, but it gets you used to pulling your shoulders back and standing up straighter. Soon it’ll become a habit and you’ll have great posture and less back problems.
S-T-R-E-T-C-H of the Month: Standing Lumbar Stretch
- Starting by standing tall
- Bend over with your knees slightly bent
- Reach as far as you can behind you
- Clasp your hands behind your knees
- Breathe and hold for 15 – 30 seconds
- Repeat 3 times
