Numbness and tingling in the arms, hands, legs, or feet can occur when spinal nerves become irritated or compressed. These sensations are often described as “pins and needles.”
Depending on where the nerve compression occurs, symptoms may affect different areas of the body.
Common Causes
Spinal conditions that may cause numbness or tingling include:
- Herniated discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Radiculopathy (pinched nerve)
- Sciatica
- Spinal cord compression
Symptoms
Patients may experience:
- Tingling sensations in the arms or legs
- Numbness in the hands, fingers, feet, or toes
- Burning sensations
- Reduced sensation in certain areas of the body
- Symptoms that worsen with certain movements
Diagnosis
Evaluation may include:
- Physical and neurological examination
- MRI imaging of the spine
- X-rays or CT scans
- Occasionally nerve studies
These tests help determine whether symptoms are related to nerve compression in the spine.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the underlying cause but may include:
- Physical therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Epidural steroid injections
- Minimally invasive procedures
- Surgical decompression when necessary
Related Conditions
Numbness or tingling sensations in the arms or legs may be associated with several spinal conditions, including:
Proper diagnosis is important to determine whether these symptoms are caused by nerve compression within the spine.