Numbness and tingling in your back can be caused by a variety of factors, including most commonly, nerve compression, nerve entrapment, and neuropathy.
Numbness can be the result of:

Sitting or standing for a long period of time, or restricting blood flow to a certain body area from prolonged periods in the same position.
Injuries. Injuries that affect the nerves and cause numbness can range from minor to extremely severe, and you should notify a doctor immediately if you’re experiencing numbness as the result of an injury.
Herniated discs. The pressure on the nerves of the spine can cause numbness and tingling sensations.
Nerve pressure caused by enlarged blood vessels, scar tissue, infections, or tumors.
Medicines and high levels of calcium, potassium, or sodium.

Finding nerve issues that accompany numbness typically requires diagnosis using an MRI or similar technique to find nerve structure damage. Sometimes, surgery is required to accurately treat symptoms.

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 location of nerve compression within the body is nerve root compression at the spinal levels. This is usually caused by herniated discs, but other structures such as bone spurs and tumors can cause compressive neuropathy.

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The second most common location of nerve entrapment is the carpal tunnel.

The numbness and tingling occurs from a lack of signal or energy flow down the nerve due to 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. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome provides its own set of challenges.

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.

If you’re experiencing numbness

If you’re experiencing numbness in your back, first try to identify the area that’s numb, and where you regain feeling. A professional will be able to assist you if you’re having difficulty.
Make sure that the numbness is not caused by pain relievers or similar medication. If you have other back pain and are currently prescribed medicine for pain relief, it may be causing complete numbness. Talk to your doctor if you’ve recently changed medications, or if you’re noticing new side effects of your medication.

Don’t wait to visit a professional. The chiropractic care at Texas Spine Clinic can aid in diagnosis and get you on the right track to a healthy spine.

If you’re experiencing numbness on one side of your body only, including in the facial area, call a doctor immediately, as it may be a sign of a stroke.

You don’t have to deal with discomfort alone.
Just contact Texas Spine Clinic for more information on our services and we’ll send you a free gift including valuable tips on how to reduce your pain today!