Numbness is usually a severe sign of altered nerve function in the body and should be investigated immediately.
Pain and numbness have a number of causes. One of the most common factors is pressure on the spinal nerves in the neck and upper back areas which supply nerve energy to the arms and hands. Spinal nerve pressure may be the result of old injuries such as falls, blows, or whiplash. Pressure on the nerves can be intensified or made worse by combinations of physical and emotional stress.
The pressure on spinal nerves can be so slight that the individual may be totally unaware of it until the pressure is increased due to stress involving the neck and shoulder muscles.
Temporary relief may be obtained by relaxing the muscles with therapy or drugs, but the most effective and long-lasting relief will come from gentle spinal adjustments to relieve the pressure on the nerves.
One of the most common causes of numbness is physical pressure on the spinal nerves as they pass by the vertebrae or discs. Chiropractic treatment attempts to relieve the nerve pressure by correcting any subluxations (misalignments) in the spine. Often, an MRI or CT scan may be used to attain detailed images of the area of nerve pressure and help guide your doctors in the treatment of your numbness.
The doctors at Lindsey Chiropractic Care can determine if you may be helped with chiropractic care. Relief from numbness often requires a more extended treatment plan due to the degree of the degeneration.
