Experiencing that familiar tingling sensation, often described as “pins and needles,” in your hands can be both puzzling and uncomfortable. This sensation, medically termed paresthesia, arises from various factors, ranging from temporary nerve compression to underlying health conditions. Understanding these causes is crucial, especially when considering chiropractic care as a potential solution.
Temporary Causes
Several everyday scenarios can lead to transient pins and needles in the hands. Examples are prolonged pressure from sitting or sleeping in a position that exerts pressure on the arms can compress nerves, leading to temporary tingling sensations. Repetitive movements are activities that involve continuous hand or wrist motions, such as typing or assembly line work. These can irritate nerves over a period of time.
Chronic Causes
Persistent or recurring tingling may indicate more serious health issues:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS): This condition results from compression of the median nerve as it passes through the wrist’s carpal tunnel, leading to tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hand.
Peripheral Neuropathy: Often associated with diabetes, this involves damage to peripheral nerves, causing tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands and feet.
Cervical Radiculopathy: Herniated discs or bone spurs in the cervical spine can compress nerves that travel to the hands, resulting in tingling sensations.
Vitamin Deficiencies: Lacking essential vitamins, particularly B12, can adversely affect nerve health, leading to tingling and numbness.
Chiropractic Perspective on Paresthesia
Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive approach to addressing the underlying causes of pins and needles in the hands by investigating neck problems causing hand numbness.
Spinal Adjustments: Misalignments in the spine, known as subluxations, can exert pressure on nerves, disrupting their function. Chiropractic adjustments aim to correct these misalignments, thereby relieving nerve compression and associated symptoms.
Soft Tissue Therapies: Techniques such as massage and stretching help alleviate muscle tension, which can contribute to nerve irritation.
Postural Correction: Improving posture reduces undue stress on the musculoskeletal system, potentially preventing nerve compression.
Lifestyle and Ergonomic Advice: Chiropractors often provide guidance on workplace ergonomics and daily habits to minimize repetitive strain on nerves.
When to Seek Chiropractic Care
If you experience persistent or worsening tingling in your hands, consulting a chiropractor can be beneficial. They can assess your condition, identify potential nerve compressions or misalignments, and develop a tailored treatment plan to address the root cause of your symptoms.
Conclusion
Pins and needles in the hands, or tingling hands, can result from various factors, from temporary nerve compression to chronic conditions. Chiropractic care offers a holistic approach to diagnosing and treating these sensations, focusing on restoring proper nerve function through spinal health and relieving hand numbness.
If you’re experiencing persistent tingling, consider consulting a chiropractor to explore non-invasive treatment options tailored to your needs.
FAQs
1. Can chiropractic care help with carpal tunnel syndrome?
Yes, chiropractic adjustments can relieve pressure on the median nerve associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, potentially reducing symptoms.
2. How many chiropractic sessions are typically needed to address tingling in the hands?
The number of sessions varies based on the underlying cause and individual response to treatment. A chiropractor can provide a personalized treatment plan after an initial assessment.
3. Are there any risks associated with chiropractic adjustments for nerve-related issues?
When performed by a licensed professional, chiropractic adjustments are generally safe. However, discussing your medical history and any concerns with your chiropractor before starting treatment is essential.
4. Can lifestyle changes complement chiropractic care in alleviating pins and needles?
Absolutely. Incorporating ergonomic workstations, regular exercise, and proper posture can enhance the benefits of chiropractic treatments.
5. How soon can I expect relief from tingling sensations after starting chiropractic care?
Many patients experience improvement after a few sessions, but the timeline varies depending on the severity and cause of the nerve irritation.
Imaging Studies
Chiropractors often refer for plain film spinal x-rays which may reveal narrowing of nerve spaces, which might indicate or imply nerve root pressure. The cervical spine where the brachial (upper limb) nerves are derived from, can be reversed in its curve or compressed, often related to poor posture and years of neglect.
Experiencing “pins and needles” sensations, medically termed paresthesia, can result from various conditions affecting the nervous system. To accurately diagnose the underlying cause, healthcare professionals may utilize several imaging modalities like Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
MRI provides detailed images of soft tissues, including nerves, muscles, and the spinal cord. It’s particularly useful for identifying structural abnormalities such as herniated discs, tumors, or nerve compressions that might be causing paresthesia. This study might need a GP referral depending on the case. It’s best discussed with your doctor or chiropractor when the health history and physical examination are performed.
A Common Presentation
Dr Michael Black says that patients present with pins and needles in their arms and hands when their pillow has worn out and become compressed. They used to have a pillow with enough density and height to keep their head at a horizonal level. It starts to degrade and lose height. The patient, in their sleep, rolls their shoulder under them to ease the neck stress, thereby causing nerve tension in the neck.
The patient often wakes with pins and needles, that ease once they rise and move around. The next night, the same thing happens. When we ask them how long they had their pillow, they really have no idea, nor do they know how long they’ve had their long-used, shaggy toothbrush!
Dr. David Black presents a case study.
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