Experiencing A Sensation Of Numbness In The Body

Feeling a numbness in your body can be a scary and uncomfortable experience. This numbness, also known as paresthesia, is a tingling or prickling sensation that can occur anywhere in the body. It is often described as feeling like pins and needles or a loss of sensation. 

Numbness can affect any part of the body. In some cases, it’s nothing to worry about and can resolve itself, but in other cases, it may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. 

We can treat certain conditions that cause such numbness if those conditions are caused by neurological factors. We focus on relieving chronic pain and inflammation caused by some of the conditions that lead to numbness. There may be cases where we can help provide relief from numbness as well.

Defining The Numbing Sensation

Numbness is a common symptom that many people experience at some point in their lives. It is characterized by a tingling or loss of sensation in different parts of the body, such as the hands, legs, feet, or even the face. This sensation can be described as a feeling of “pins and needles” or a lack of sensitivity in the affected area.

Frequent Factors Behind Numbness

Several factors can contribute to the sensation of numbness in the body. Some common causes include:

• Poor circulation: Feelings of numbness that develop in the hands and feet can often be caused by poor blood flow. This usually results from underlying health conditions such as diabetes or hypertension.
  

• Injuries: Numbness can occur due to an injury or trauma to the affected area, such as a pinched nerve or a sprained ankle. Such injuries can put pressure on nerves and disrupt their ability to transmit signals properly.
  

• Back problems: Conditions such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis can cause leg or foot numbness due to nerve compression, which occurs when a nerve is pressed or squeezed, disrupting its function.
  

• Nerve compression: Conditions like sciatica and carpal tunnel syndrome can cause numbness in the hands, wrists, and legs due to compression of nerves.
  

• Poor body posture: Poor posture can put pressure on nerves and cause numbness in certain areas of the body, such as the neck, shoulders, and arms.

Medical Conditions Associated With Numbness

Some issues (such as those previously mentioned) that lead to numbness can be resolved on their own with rest or lifestyle changes. However, there are cases in which numbness results from an underlying medical condition. The following are some of the medical conditions which commonly cause numbness as one of their symptoms:

• Sciatica: A condition that causes irritation or sciatic nerve compression, resulting in pain and numbness in the lower back, buttocks, and legs.
• Fibromyalgia: A chronic pain disorder that leads to widespread pain and tenderness in the body, including numbness in certain areas.
  

• Peripheral neuropathy: A nerve disorder that results in numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hands and feet.
  

• Multiple sclerosis: An autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system and can cause numbness, weakness, and loss of coordination.
  

• Tarsal tunnel syndrome: A condition that affects the tibial nerve in the foot and can cause numbness, tingling, and pain in the feet.
  
• Peroneal nerve dysfunction: A condition that affects the fibular nerve in the legs and ankles that can cause numbness, tingling, and pain in the feet.

• Diabetic neuropathy: A kind of nerve damage that can occur in individuals with diabetes and cause numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands and feet.
  

• Peripheral artery disease: A condition that narrows or blocks blood vessels in the legs, reducing blood flow and causing numbness and pain.
• Trigeminal neuralgia: Numbness of one side of the face can be a indication of a trigeminal neuralgia flare-up.

When Should You Be Concerned About Numbness?

While numbness may be a common and harmless sensation, there are some cases where it could indicate a more serious issue. If you experience any of the following symptoms along with numbness, it’s essential to seek medical attention:

• Numbness that affects only one side of the body
• Numbness accompanied by weakness or paralysis
• Numbness that does not go away after a few hours
• Numbness accompanied by severe pain, especially in the chest or head
• Numbness that is accompanied by difficulty speaking, confusion, dizziness, or a change in vision

Common Treatment Options For Numbness

If you’re experiencing regular feelings of numbness in certain parts of your body, it’s best to speak with a doctor to determine the underlying cause. Depending on the cause, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatment options:

Medications And Topical Creams

In some cases, medication may be prescribed to manage numbness. This could include over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medications meant to target the underlying cause of the numbness. These can include anti-inflammatory drugs for conditions like arthritis or nerve pain medications for nerve-related numbness. Topical creams containing ingredients such as capsaicin can relieve localized numbness. 

However, there are a few drawbacks to using medication for numbness. Certain medications may cause side effects or interact poorly with other medications. Additionally, they may only provide temporary relief and do not address the root cause of the numbness.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy may be recommended to treat numbness caused by injuries or conditions that affect the muscles, nerves, or bones. Physical therapists will provide exercises and techniques to improve movement, strength, and flexibility in affected areas, potentially reducing pressure on affected nerves.

More Invasive Procedures

More invasive procedures may be recommended in severe cases when other treatments fail to relieve your numbness. This could include surgeries or injections to relieve nerve pressure or repair damaged tissue.

• Steroid injections: A corticosteroid injection may be given to reduce inflammation and relieve pressure on affected nerves. Although they can be helpful, there are risks associated with steroid injections, including infection or nerve damage, as well as long-term side effects, such as weight gain or increased blood sugar levels.
• Surgery: In cases of severe injuries or nerve compression, surgery may be recommended to repair damaged tissue or relieve pressure on affected nerves. Surgery is typically a last resort as it comes with potential risks, such as infection, bleeding, or nerve damage. Additionally, it can be expensive and can require a lengthy recovery time.