When Your Arm Goes “Pins and Needles” – More Than Just Annoying
We’ve all had a limb “fall asleep” from leaning on it too long – that temporary tingling is usually harmless. But when numbness or tingling in your arm becomes frequent, persistent, or intense, it can point to a deeper issue involving your nervous system.
The nerves supplying your arms branch out from your neck and upper back. If these nerves are irritated, compressed, or restricted due to joint dysfunction or muscle tension, changes in sensation often follow. In fact, research shows that up to 85% of cervical radiculopathy cases (nerve irritation in the neck) stem from degenerative changes or structural issues in the cervical spine.
Common Causes of Arm Numbness and Tingling
1. Nerve Compression in the Neck (Cervical Radiculopathy)
A bulging disc, arthritis, or loss of proper joint movement in the neck can pinch or inflame the nerves that run into your arm. This is one of the most common causes, and people with these changes often report symptoms that come and go at first before becoming constant over time.
2. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)
When the space between your collarbone and first rib narrows, nerves or blood vessels can be compressed. Tight neck and chest muscles or structural differences can cause this, and studies estimate that up to 80% of neurogenic TOS cases involve muscle-related compression.
3. Repetitive Strain or Postural Stress
Hours at a desk, prolonged phone use, and slouching increase strain on the neck and shoulder muscles. This can irritate nerve pathways, and people with poor posture have been shown to have a three times higher risk of developing nerve compression symptoms compared to those with neutral posture.
4. Circulatory Issues
Sometimes the problem isn’t the nerve itself but the blood flow. Vascular compression can mimic nerve-related tingling and numbness. If symptoms appear suddenly with chest pain, shortness of breath, or weakness, seek urgent medical care.
5. Systemic Conditions
Certain conditions like diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or vitamin deficiencies can damage peripheral nerves. For example, diabetic neuropathy affects up to 50% of people with long-term diabetes, often starting with tingling in the hands or feet.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It
Persistent numbness or tingling is your body’s way of saying something isn’t right. Left untreated, nerve irritation can progress to muscle weakness, reduced grip strength, or even permanent sensory loss. Studies consistently show that early intervention for nerve-related problems leads to better recovery outcomes and less chance of chronic disability.
How Chiropractic Care in Wellington Can Help
At our Wellington chiropractic clinic, we start with a detailed neurological and orthopaedic assessment to find the exact cause of your symptoms. If spinal joint dysfunction is contributing to nerve pressure, gentle and precise chiropractic adjustments can:
- Restore joint motion
- Reduce irritation on the nerves
- Improve muscle activation and coordination
References:
- Radhakrishnan K, et al. Epidemiology of cervical radiculopathy. Brain. 1994;117(2):325–335.
- Illig KA, et al. Thoracic outlet syndrome. J Vasc Surg. 2010;51(6):1538–1544.
- Szeto GP, et al. The effects of prolonged neck flexion posture on neck and shoulder muscle activity and discomfort in office workers. Manual Therapy. 2012;17(6):580–584.
- Callaghan BC, et al. Diabetic neuropathy: clinical manifestations and current treatments. Lancet Neurol. 2012;11(6):521–534.
- Bono CM, et al. Cervical radiculopathy: clinical presentation and diagnosis. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2011;19(7):392–402.
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