Neck numbness may feel like your neck is tingling or as if it is "asleep." It is typically caused by a problem with the spinal cord or other nerves. In some cases, it can be caused by conditions such as migraines or multiple sclerosis.
Neck Numbness & Tingling Causes
There are many possible causes of neck numbness and tingling, and many of them also cause neck pain. Most of them are curable, but a visit to a chiropractor might be required.
- Herniated Disk: In the case of herniated discs, some of the soft centers protrude through the outer layer, which can irritate neighboring nerves. It usually occurs in the lower back or neck.
- Pinched Nerve:
A pinched nerve occurs when a nerve becomes compressed or irritated in your neck, where it branches off away from the spinal cord. It can be caused by an injury or by changes in the spine as you age.
- Cervical Stenosis: Cervical stenosis is a condition where your spinal canal is too narrow for the nerves and spinal cord. It can damage the nerve roots and spinal cord. It can be caused by rheumatoid arthritis or degenerative arthritis.
- Neck Injury: Neck injuries such as sports injuries or stroke injuries from a motor vehicle collision can cause other symptoms. That includes shoulder pain, arm pain, headache, facial pain, stiffness, and dizziness. A neck injury can be serious. If you injure your neck, see a chiropractor as soon as possible.
- Multiple Sclerosis: Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system that damages myelin - the substance surrounding the nerve fibers. It stops or disrupts messages in the central nervous system. The causes of multiple sclerosis are unknown.
- Nerve Damage:
Disc issues such as a herniated disc can damage nerves in the neck. It can also be damaged by a spinal cord injury or long-term side effects from certain medications.
- Arthritis: Neck arthritis, also known as cervical spondylosis, is a common age-related condition. It often does not cause obvious symptoms. The symptoms may include neck pain and stiffness that improve when you rest or lie down.
Treatment for Neck Pain, Neck Numbness & Tingling Sensation
There are several treatments for neck numbness. Some can be performed at home, while others require supervision or recommendation from a chiropractor.
Home Remedies for Neck Numbness & Tingling
- Use a good posture
- Do not carry heavy bags on your shoulder
- Set up an ergonomic workstation
- Sleep in a position where your neck and head are aligned with the rest of your body
- Apply ice and heat
- Relieve stress and anxiety
- Quit smoking
- Stretching exercises can also help relieve neck numbness and pain: Chin tuck, Neck stretch, Neck bend
How Does A Chiropractor Help With Neck Numbness & Tingling?
DIAGNOSIS:
To find out the cause of your neck pain, chiropractic treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation process - using the information provided by your medical history and advanced imaging techniques. The examination can include:
- Muscle tests
- Range of movement tests
- X-rays
- MRI
- CT Scan
TREATMENT:
Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, a chiropractor can devise a treatment plan to relieve irritation, correct pressure-causing misalignments, and reinstate proper nerve function.
Conservative treatment under chiropractor care often results in considerable symptoms relief. Precise treatment plans will vary from case to case but can include:
- Chiropractic adjustment
- Spinal manipulation
- Fractioning
- Application of ice
- Deep tissue massage
Usually, the goal is to relieve pressure on the nerves.
- Chiropractic adjustment can help reposition the vertebrae (spine bones) - a necessary step in resolving herniated disc.
- Deep tissue massage can help release tension and remove toxins that worsen sensations.
- Finally, chiropractic treatment improves blood circulation and relieves pressure on the nerve pathways, necessary step-in restoring nerve signals between the brain and the body.
In addition to treating neck numbness & tingling, chiropractic treatments promote the overall health and well-being of your body.
Neck Numbness & Tingling Takeaway
Several causes of neck numbness can be treated with home treatments, such as proper rest and good posture. However, others can be serious.
If you're experiencing neck numbness that home remedies aren't helping, see a chiropractor to rule out more severe conditions.
If you don’t have an amazing chiropractor
Contact us today!
Family Chiropractic Plus is dedicated to your overall health and well-being, which is why we offer regular
chiropractic adjustments in order to restore your body’s natural state of
optimal health, while also providing it with the support it needs to heal from any injury, big or small.