Are your hands or feet tingling more often? Maybe the buzzing now turns into numbness, or you notice burning sensations at night. In this video, I explain why these symptoms happen and why finding the cause matters more than guessing at a treatment.
What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?
I'm Dr. Megan Tomberlin, DC, with Waves of Wellness Chiropractic in Leland, NC. Peripheral neuropathy means that nerves outside the brain and spinal cord are not working normally. These nerves carry messages about touch, pain, temperature, and movement.
When those messages are disrupted, your hands or feet may feel different. But not every tingling sensation means you have widespread nerve damage. A compressed nerve can cause similar symptoms, which is why an evaluation matters.
Common Symptoms of Neuropathy in Hands and Feet
Symptoms can develop slowly or appear more suddenly. Watch for:
- Persistent pins and needles or buzzing
- Burning pain, especially at night
- Numb toes, fingers, hands, or feet
- Weak grip or trouble fastening buttons
- Unsteadiness or reduced awareness of foot position
New or worsening weakness, repeated falls, or spreading numbness deserves prompt medical attention. Sudden one-sided numbness or weakness, especially with speech or vision changes, requires emergency care.
Why Does Numbness and Tingling Get Worse?
There is no single explanation. Ongoing nerve compression can irritate a nerve. Diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune disease, certain medications, and other conditions can also affect nerve health.
Depending on the cause, symptoms may fluctuate, stabilize, improve, or progress. Some conditions affect the nerve fibers or their protective myelin coating. Others create pressure at a particular point along a nerve.
Nerve Damage vs. Nerve Entrapment: What's the Difference?
This distinction is one of the most important parts of my video:
- Peripheral neuropathy: Often affects multiple nerves and may be linked to diabetes, chemotherapy, or other medical conditions.
- Nerve entrapment: Involves pressure on a specific nerve, such as carpal tunnel at the wrist or tarsal tunnel near the ankle.
These problems can overlap. Nerve entrapment is itself a form of peripheral nerve problem, but its treatment may differ from that of a body-wide neuropathy. Addressing the source of compression may help some people, while systemic nerve conditions need medical management.
Cold Laser Therapy for Nerve-Related Symptoms
Cold laser therapy uses low-level light applied to tissues. In our office, it may be considered as an option for certain painful or inflamed areas.
- It is noninvasive.
- It may help with some types of musculoskeletal pain.
- Evidence for reversing peripheral nerve damage is limited.
We do not promise that laser treatment will regrow damaged nerves or cure neuropathy.
Active Release Technique (ART) with Dr. Jordan Warner
Dr. Jordan Warner, DC, is certified in Active Release Technique. ART is hands-on soft tissue care focused on muscle and fascia restrictions.
When surrounding tissue contributes to discomfort or restricted movement, ART may be part of a conservative care plan. It does not replace medical testing for suspected nerve injury or compression.
Dry Needling with Dr. Megan Tomberlin
I use dry needling to address selected muscle trigger points and related pain. Tight muscles can make nerve-like discomfort more confusing, especially in the arms or legs.
Dry needling may ease muscular symptoms for some patients. It is not a cure for diabetes-related neuropathy or damaged nerve fibers.
How Chiropractic Care Fits Into the Plan
Chiropractic care focuses on musculoskeletal function, joint movement, and mobility. If neck or spinal discomfort contributes to your symptoms, we can evaluate whether conservative care is appropriate.
When neuropathy is suspected, we also consider whether you need medical testing or a referral. Chiropractic adjustments alone cannot treat every cause of numbness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a pinched nerve cause tingling in my hands or feet?
Yes. Compression at the neck, wrist, back, or ankle can cause tingling or numbness. The location and pattern of symptoms help guide an evaluation.
Does peripheral neuropathy always get worse?
No. The course depends on the cause. Some symptoms improve when an underlying condition is treated. Others require ongoing management.
Can a chiropractor help with neuropathy symptoms?
Chiropractic or soft tissue care may help selected musculoskeletal contributors. It cannot replace diagnosis and treatment of diabetes, vitamin deficiency, or other medical causes.