Numbness and Tingling

Numbness and tingling is most frequently caused by nerve compression. There can be various sites of nerve compression and various structures which can cause nerve compression. The most common place of nerve compression is nerve root compression at the spinal levels. This is usually caused from herniated discs, but other structures such as bone spurs and tumors can cause compressive neuropathy. The second most common place of nerve entrapment is the carpal tunnel. The numbness and tingling occurs from a lack of signal or energy flow down the nerve from the nerve being compressed or "pinched." The nervous system can be thought of as a highway of energy flowing in a particular direction, but when traffic backs up, the signal stops and never reaches its target destination such as the hands and feet. Diabetic neuropathy is another common condition which causes numbness and tingling. Here in San Antonio, we have a significant problem with diabetes because of cultural influences on food choices. Diabetic neuropathy and nerve root compression have very similar symptoms, but very different causes. This is why you should always be examined by a competent health care professional to properly diagnose your condition.