Paresthesia is the feeling of numbness or searing sensation on your skin for no known reason. While it mainly affects the upper and lower extremities, it can also occur in other body parts. Most people who experience paresthesia say they feel as if they sat on their legs or feet for longer than they should. Others liken their symptom to pins and needles sensation. Have you had a similar experience?
It’s common to have paresthesia as a temporary sensation due to pressure placed on the nerves on the limbs. Fortunately, once you relieve the undue stress on your nerves, the uncomfortable feeling also fades gradually.
However, suppose you are experiencing chronic or long-lasting paresthesia. In this case, you might need to consult a doctor or a pinched nerves chiropractor in San Diego. Notably, prolonged paresthesia sometimes indicates severe nerve trauma or an underlying neurological condition (multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, etc.).
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Fast facts on paresthesia:
#1. Paresthesia is not a condition
Doctors identify paresthesia as an indicator of an underlying health concern, especially if its effects linger. Some examples of these conditions include:
Stroke
Stroke survivors may experience numbness in some parts of the body due to damaged cells in the brain. Once these cells become damaged, certain parts of the brain will have difficulty communicating with the nerves, including those that control motor functions.
Diabetes
Patients with diabetes are susceptible to diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy tends to damage the nerves that send signals from your hands and feet, which leads to numbness or tingling in your fingers, toes, hands, and feet. The numbness and tingling are referred to as paresthesia in medical terms.
Multiple sclerosis
A prevalent symptom that MS patients often complain about is numbness. The numbness usually occurs in the limbs or across the body. MS patients feel numbness which experts divide into four categories: Paresthesia – feelings of pins and needles, tingling, buzzing, or crawling sensation.
Pinched nerves
If pinched nerves cause your paresthesia, the symptoms can be intermittent or constant and may be reversible. Remember not to wait long before seeking proper care as some nerve damage could be irreparable if ignored for a long time. Instead, call a reliable pinched nerves chiropractor in San Diego to relieve the discomfort of paresthesia caused by pinched nerves.
Other conditions such as a tumor in the spinal cord or brain, high levels of vitamin D or other vitamins, fibromyalgia, high blood pressure, infection, and nerve injury, can also trigger an onset of paresthesia.
To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and pinched nerves download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.
#2. Paresthesia affects different body parts
As we mentioned above, paresthesia can affect various body parts. Here are some key indicators that you should look out for if you suspect having paresthesia in your arms, legs, or other body parts:
- numbness
- weakness
- tingling feeling
- burning sensation
- Skin feels cold to the touch
#3. Paresthesia affects a broad range of people
Anyone can experience paresthesia, especially temporary occurrences. However, if pinched nerves cause numbness, your age can be a factor. Apart from factors linked to pinched nerves, you may also experience paresthesia through:
- Repetitive movements that can compress your nerves – typing, playing an instrument, or sports
- Vitamin deficiency due to poor diet
- Diabetes
- Autoimmune conditions
- Neurological conditions
#4. Paresthesia recovery is possible
Nerve-related problems such as paresthesia are often temporary. If you tap into helpful patient care options, damaged nerves can heal and recover after eight weeks. Some of the remedies that patients with paresthesia use include the following:
- Visiting a pinched nerves chiropractor in San Diego
- Undergoing physical therapy
- Avoiding activities that cause repetitive injuries
- Making lifestyle adjustments to relieve pressure on your affected nerve roots
Relieving paresthesia with upper cervical care
Simple paresthesia may be painless. But, once it shows signs of being chronic, overlooking or ignoring the sensation may cause more harm. Additionally, it could lead to permanent nerve damage. For chronic paresthesia, stabbing pain may be present that can lead to the clumsiness of the affected limb. If paresthesia has reached your legs and feet, it might cause gait problems and interfere with your routine and activities.
Your best option at this point is to get diagnosed so you can find out why you might have paresthesia. If your doctor determines that your symptom stems from a compressed or pinched nerve, it might help to tap into upper cervical chiropractic care.
Unknown to many, cervical spine misalignments dramatically contribute to the development of pinched nerves and, eventually, paresthesia. Naturally, if you can correct the alignment of your neck bones, you can improve your spinal health and help the affected nerve roots heal.
We suggest consulting with our pinched nerves chiropractor in San Diego today so you can check for neck bone misalignments. If Dr. Cook finds even the slightest changes in your topmost neck bones (C1 and C2 vertebrae), we can start discussing your care plan.
A passionate pinched nerves chiropractor in San Diego
Upper Cervical Chiropractic San Diego is a go-to chiropractic practice in the city for pinched nerves care. Many patients have commended our upper cervical doctor, Dr. Cook, for helping them achieve revitalized health and lasting pinched nerve relief.
Visit Dr. Mercedes Cook if you would like to improve your paresthesia and seek long-term relief. You are in good hands under her care. She is passionate about the discipline of chiropractic care and genuinely cares about her patients.
We encourage you to book an appointment so we can schedule your initial assessment. Call us at (858) 577-0662 or get in touch with us via our online contact form. Let us help you cope with paresthesia and other nerve pinching or compression signs.
To schedule a consultation with Upper Cervical Chiropractic San Diego, call 858-434-5926 or just click the button below.
If you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
