Numbness & Tingling

Numbness and tingling in the hands, arms, feet, or legs almost always indicate nerve compression somewhere along the pathway from the spine to the extremity. SOT chiropractic identifies and corrects the source.

What Is Numbness & Tingling?

Numbness and tingling (paresthesia) are symptoms of nerve compression or irritation at any point along the neural pathway — from the spinal cord and nerve roots to peripheral nerves in the extremities. The pattern of symptoms accurately identifies the location: dermatomal distribution points to specific nerve roots, while the median nerve distribution (index finger, thumb) suggests carpal tunnel. Spinal nerve root compression from disc pathology, subluxation, or foraminal stenosis is the most common cause. Cervical subluxation causing arm tingling and lumbar subluxation causing leg numbness are frequently and quickly resolved with chiropractic correction.

Common Symptoms

Numbness, pins-and-needles, or tingling in the hands, arms, feet, or legs
Symptoms following a specific nerve distribution pattern
Weakness accompanying numbness in the affected area
Symptoms worsening with specific postures or movements
Numbness that wakes the patient at night
Associated neck or back pain at the compression site

Common Causes & Contributing Factors

Cervical disc herniation compressing upper extremity nerve roots
Lumbar disc herniation compressing lower extremity nerve roots
Thoracic outlet syndrome compressing the brachial plexus
Carpal tunnel syndrome compressing the median nerve at the wrist
Peripheral neuropathy from diabetes or nutritional deficiency
Double crush — proximal and distal nerve compression occurring simultaneously

The Pura Vida Protocol: Chiropractic Care for Numbness & Tingling

Dr. Foss performs a systematic neurological examination to identify the level and mechanism of nerve compression causing the numbness and tingling. SOT spinal corrections at the identified levels decompress the nerve roots and restore normal neural function. The double-crush syndrome — where cervical compression amplifies peripheral entrapment — is evaluated and addressed comprehensively. Most patients experience improvement in tingling within the first few visits as nerve root pressure is relieved. Complete resolution of numbness may take longer as nerve healing is gradual.

At Pura Vida Chiropractic, Dr. Foss uses Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT) — a gentle, category-based system that addresses the spine, pelvis, and craniosacral rhythm as one integrated unit. SOT restores proper biomechanics, reduces nerve interference, and creates the neurological environment your body needs to heal itself.

Advanced Therapies We Combine With Chiropractic

For many patients, combining spinal correction with regenerative therapies produces faster and more lasting results. Depending on your condition, Dr. Foss may incorporate one or more of the following:

Class IV Laser Therapy

Photobiomodulation with a 10–15W Class IV laser delivers therapeutic light energy deep into tissue, reducing inflammation, blocking pain signals, and speeding healing at the cellular level.

Why Choose Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio?

Pura Vida Chiropractic is a family-friendly, bilingual (English/Spanish) clinic serving San Antonio, TX. Dr. Dan Foss is trained in Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT), a comprehensive chiropractic system that addresses the whole body — not just the area of pain. We combine hands-on spinal correction with the latest regenerative technology to help patients resolve the root cause of their condition rather than masking symptoms.

We are insurance friendly with most insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Aetna, Ambetter, Oscar Health, Community First, and Molina Healthcare. New patient appointments are available promptly.

Ready to Get Relief from Numbness & Tingling?

Schedule your new patient appointment with Dr. Foss at Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio, TX. We'll identify the root cause and build a personalized care plan.

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