Reviews Numbness and Tingling in the Hands or Arms? Here’s What Your Spine May Be Telling You
Do your fingers fall asleep while driving or working at a computer?
Do you notice tingling, buzzing, or even a “pins and needles” sensation crawling through your hands or arms?
These symptoms—often described as numbness, tingling, or a sensation like ants crawling under the skin—are extremely common. And while many people assume they’re just something to live with, they’re often a sign of nerve irritation originating in the spine.
At Koru Chiropractic Corrective Care in Louisville, Colorado, we help people with neuropathies, numbness, and tingling related to spinal dysfunction every single day—safely, gently, and without relying on drugs or surgery.
What Causes Numbness and Tingling?
From a neurological perspective, numbness and tingling (clinically referred to as paresthesia) occur when a nerve is irritated, compressed, or not functioning optimally.
One of the most common sources? The spine—especially the neck.
When the cervical spine becomes misaligned, rotated, or degenerative changes begin to develop, pressure can be placed on the nerves as they exit through the intervertebral foramina (the small openings between vertebrae). This is similar to what happens when you hit your “funny bone”—pressure on the nerve creates that familiar electric or tingling sensation.
Over time, this irritation can become more persistent, especially when combined with:
- Poor posture
- Prolonged computer or phone use
- Chronic muscle tension
- Disc degeneration or arthritic changes
Research shows that cervical nerve root compression is a well-established contributor to upper extremity numbness, tingling, and weakness, even in the absence of severe pain (Radhakrishnan et al., PubMed).
Why Symptoms Often Show Up While Driving or at a Desk
Many patients tell us their hands fall asleep while:
- Driving with their hands on the steering wheel
- Working at a computer
- Sleeping with their arms overhead
These positions commonly place the neck in subtle extension or rotation, further narrowing the space where nerves exit the spine. Studies confirm that postural stress and sustained cervical positioning can exacerbate nerve root irritation and sensory symptoms (Szeto et al., PubMed).
Can Chiropractic Care Help Numbness and Tingling?
In many cases—yes.
At Koru Chiropractic, we focus on neurologically based corrective care, not just short-term symptom relief. With gentle, specific adjustments, we aim to:
- Restore proper spinal alignment
- Improve joint motion
- Reduce nerve compression
- Normalize communication between the brain and body
Clinical evidence supports spinal manipulation as a conservative treatment option for neck-related nerve symptoms, particularly when combined with corrective exercise and postural rehabilitation (Gross et al., PubMed).
In our experience, the majority of patients—often even those with arthritis—experience meaningful improvement in numbness and tingling once nerve irritation is reduced.
Why Gentle, Specific Adjustments Matter
Not all chiropractic care is the same.
At Koru, we do not rely on forceful twisting, cracking, or aggressive manipulation. Instead, we use advanced, low-force techniques designed to respect the nervous system, including:
- NUCCA (National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association) for precise upper-neck correction
- Pierce Results System, utilizing drop-table adjustments for full-spine balance
- Select extremity adjustments when joint dysfunction contributes to nerve stress
Research suggests that low-force and targeted spinal adjustments can reduce neurological symptoms while minimizing adverse effects (Bronfort et al., PubMed).
Why Numbness and Tingling Often Improve First
Interestingly, numbness and tingling are often one of the first symptoms to improve when spinal nerve pressure is reduced.
Why?
- Sensory nerves respond quickly to improved blood flow and mechanical relief
- Muscle tension begins to normalize
- Postural corrections reduce ongoing irritation
Many patients also report:
- Better sleep
- Improved grip strength and coordination
- Less neck or low back pain
- Increased energy and mobility
These changes reflect improved nervous system regulation—not just pain suppression.
Corrective Care Goes Beyond Adjustments
True long-term results require more than alignment alone.
That’s why we combine chiropractic care with:
- Corrective and stabilizing exercises
- Muscle balance restoration
- Core and postural support strategies
Strengthening and stabilizing the spine helps ensure that corrections hold, supporting lasting neurological improvement. Research supports the combination of manual therapy and exercise for cervical spine conditions affecting nerve function (Kay et al., PubMed).
When to Seek Help
If you’re experiencing:
- Ongoing numbness or tingling in the hands, arms, legs, or feet
- Weak grip strength or clumsiness
- Symptoms that worsen with posture or activity
- A desire to avoid medications or surgery
…it’s worth exploring whether your spine is contributing.
Many people are surprised to learn that even simple misalignments—without severe arthritis—can create significant nerve symptoms, and that correcting them can bring rapid relief.
A Natural, Neurologically Focused Solution
If you’re tired of feeling “off” in your hands or limbs and want a solution that addresses the root cause, not just the symptoms, we’d love to help.
At Koru Chiropractic Corrective Care in Louisville, Colorado, our goal is to help you move better, sleep better, and return to the activities you love—without fear of flare-ups or long-term degeneration.
Visit our website or give us a call to learn more.
References
- Radhakrishnan K, et al. Epidemiology of cervical radiculopathy. PubMed ID: 8196351
- Szeto GPY, et al. Neck posture and muscle activity in office workers. PubMed ID: 17606437
- Gross A, et al. Manipulation and mobilization for neck pain. PubMed ID: 35295422
- Bronfort G, et al. Effectiveness and safety of spinal manipulation. PubMed ID: 17906581
- Kay TM, et al. Exercise and manual therapy for neck disorders. PubMed ID: 25754110