Besides the obvious indicator that is the presence of discomfort on one’s back, back pain can be accompanied by the following symptoms:

• A feeling of stiffness along the spinal column, especially in the morning
• Limited movement of the torso, with a feeling of tenderness, felt when joints of the spine come under pressure.
• Difficulty undertaking normal activities like bending, lifting, and walking
• The tendency to adopt an awkward posture when sitting, standing, walking, etc.
• In some cases, back pain may trigger a feeling of numbness in the limbs. Other patients experience tingling, crawling, stinging, and burning sensations (collectively known as paresthesias).
• Redness, warmth, and/or swelling along the back
• Sleep disturbances
• Muscle spasms and tightness: These are usually felt in the pelvis, hips, and lower back.
• A good share of back pain victims experience mental distress and anxiety. Usually, one will develop a fear of activity and movement, concerned that it’ll worsen their condition. Consequently, chronic back pain is associated with poor mood, irritability, frustration and, in some cases, depression.

While there are many different causes of back pain, the majority of cases can be linked to the following:

• Sprains and strains: A sprain happens when one or several ligaments supporting the spine are stretched too far; strains affect muscles and tendons in a similar manner. Both injuries can occur due to the use of poor body mechanics (e.g., lifting heavy objects, twisting the spine while lifting, and bad posture). They can also result from sudden impacts such as falls and car crashes.
• Disc herniation and rupture: When the cushion-like pads separating individual vertebrae along the spinal column slip out of position, it’s known as disc herniation. Although herniation can occur without any symptoms, the malpositioned disk is prone to irritate surrounding nerves, triggering back pain. Nerves also come under pressure when discs bulge, rupture, or suffer degeneration due to age.
• Inflammation: About 25% of chronic back pain cases can be attributed to inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. Inflammatory back pain can also be triggered by injury or infection.
• Osteoarthritis: The gradual wear of spinal cartilage — usually as a result of age-related wear and tear — is bound to cause discomfort and pain along the spinal column.
• Stenosis: This describes a state where open spaces within the spine begin to narrow; pain inevitably follows when nerve roots get compressed. Stenosis affects the upper (cervical) and lower (lumbar) segments of the spine. The condition often results from the changes caused by arthritis.
• Lifestyle triggers: As we noted earlier, backache can be caused by some of the things one does (or doesn’t do) in one’s day-to-day life. A lack of exercise can, for instance, cause some muscles in your back to become weak, resulting in strain on some sections of the spine. Other lifestyle factors associated with back pain include obesity, smoking, wearing high heels, and psychological stress.
• Abnormal growths: Osteophytes (bony growths) occurring along the spinal column can trigger back pain by either squeezing nerve roots or pushing discs out of position. Similarly, tumors affecting the spine (or nearby organs) are bound to throw the structure out of balance.

Do you live in or near Arlington Heights, IL, and suffer from back pain? Or maybe you know someone in the area who does? There’s no need to endure any more when Hawkeye Chiropractic Clinic is more than happy to help. With more than a decade’s worth of experience under our belt, we’re ranked among the top care providers in the municipality.

And with our offices at 1401 S Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, we are conveniently located for residents of the following areas:

• Rolling Meadows
• Des Plaines
• Palatine
• Schaumburg
• Mt Prospect
• Elk Grove Village

To say the least, we’ve served patients from all over the Northwestern Suburbs. Our doors are open every weekday during the following hours:

• Monday and Friday: 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Wednesday and Thursday: 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM

For a quick consultation, all you need is to get in touch with us by phone via (847) 472-1224 or fax us at (847)472-1193. We’ll be more than happy to answer any questions you might have before scheduling your first appointment. Additionally, you can connect with us through our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn channels if you have any queries for Dr. Drew. Also, feel free to check out testimonials from past patients on our website. You will quickly see why Hawkeye Chiropractic is the perfect solution for your back pain.

Migraines usually happen in stages/forms. The following are the migraine types:

• Prodrome

Prodrome, or the warning or premonitory phase, represents specific mental and physical alterations, such as cravings for sweets, tiredness, increased thirst, mood alterations, neck stiffness, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation. This stage could last anywhere between an hour to 24 hours.

• Aura

A migraine’s aura encompasses an array of neurological symptoms as they stem from the nervous system.

“Aura” of migraine has its roots in the brain’s cortex region. Changes in sight, such as colored spots, dark spots, zigzag lines, stars or sparkles, etc., are possible. Tingling or numbness, vertigo or dizziness, and weakness could also occur. Hearing and speech could be disturbed as well. Feelings of confusion and fear are likely. Fainting or partial paralysis, although rare, also signifies the “aura” stage.

The aura phase is shorter than the prodrome stage, lasting anywhere from five minutes to an hour. Aura usually precedes a headache.

• Attack

The main attack or headache stage denotes severe, and at times unbearable, head pain. It usually begins as a minor, dull ache to only gain momentum with time.

The throbbing headache gets worse when you train or do some physically intensive activity. At times, even a slight movement of the head could trigger the pain.

The tightening or pressing pain is usually on a particular side of the skull, especially during the starting stages. The pain could also be either at the front or affecting your entire head. Feeling pain on both sides, however, is not uncommon.

Periods of vomiting and nausea usually occur during this phase, alongside sensitivity to sound and/or light. You could also feel sweaty and pale.

• Resolution

Most headaches and migraine attacks fade away within hours. In some cases, the migraine vanishes when the affected individual falls sick or weeps in pain. For some people, a few hours of quality sleep can do the trick. For kids, even a few minutes of shuteye can help bring their headache or migraine to a conclusion.

• Postdrome

The postdrome, or recovery stage, is the last phase of the attack. Generally, it could take several hours or even a couple of days for people to reach this stage.

Postdrome’s symptoms are similar to the first stage. The symptoms are mirrored. Suppose you couldn’t eat or sleep during the initial phase of the headache. In postdrome, your appetite will be extremely high, and you’ll sleep like a baby.

It’s Not the Same Across the Board! 

Not everyone with migraines goes through these various phases. Some may experience just one or a combination of a few. And which stages get combined could differ with people and every attack. Also, the severity and length of each phase are not consistent across the board.

That said, categorizing the different migraine phases on paper is easy, but ascertaining the same in a patient can be extremely challenging. For instance, a kid’s migraine attack is usually short-lived compared to that of an adult. Therefore, it may not always be feasible to correctly ascertain the headache or migraine phase the person is in.

Headaches and migraines manifest differently in different people. The symptoms of headaches vary based on the kind of headache:

• Tension Headache: Symptoms include neck stiffness, scalp tenderness, dull and aching pain in the head, shoulder stiffness, and pressure or tightness across the forehead. Though tension headaches could feel like a migraine attack, they do not cause the visual issues migraine headaches are pretty much identified with.
• Cluster headache: A cluster headache is generally short-lived and causes pain behind or near the eyes. The constant, throbbing pain is typically on one side of the head. A cluster headache, unlike a migraine, is not accompanied by nausea.
• Migraine headache: Migraine symptoms usually are a pulsating sensation in the head, pain on a particular side, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, vomiting, and throbbing pain.
• Rebound headache: This headache type is more routine and particularly bad during the mornings. The symptoms attached to a rebound headache include nausea, irritability, restlessness, memory issues, etc.

It’s not that easy to ascertain the kind of headache you experience. A trained professional should guide you in the matter and let you know more about your condition.

The causes of headaches and migraines are not established and could vary between individuals. Generally, it’s believed the pain is linked with brain-related changes and genes. Migraine triggers such as sensitivity to bright lights, fatigue, etc., could also get passed down to you by your parents.

The blood flow alterations in the brain were believed to cause migraine headaches. It’s now considered the change in blood flow is only correlated and not causal.

Current theories suggest migraine kicks in when the brain’s overactive nerve cells transmit signals that trigger the trigeminal nerve, causing sensations in the face and head. This prompts the body to release serotonin and CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) and a few other chemicals.

CGRP causes the blood vessels in the brain’s lining to swell. The neurotransmitters then cause pain and inflammation.

Risk Factors 

Millions of people in America and globally get migraine attacks or headaches daily. The following factors increase the likelihood of being affected by the condition:

• People who fall in the 10 to 40 years age group are more likely to experience migraine attacks.
• Family history plays a significant role. At least 80% of people troubled by migraines have a parent or family member with the issue. If a parent has had or currently experiences a migraine attack, their kid has a 50% likelihood of inheriting the condition. If both the parents suffer from migraines, the chances go up to 75%.
• Medical conditions such as anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, bipolar disorder, epilepsy, etc., could heighten the odds.

Besides the aforementioned hormonal changes, stress, certain foods and drinks (aged cheese, alcohol, tobacco, food additives, etc.), caffeine, weather changes, sleeping patterns, etc., could ascertain the risks or function as triggers.

At Hawkeye Chiropractic, we look at headaches and migraine attacks from all possible angles to understand the phase you are in – which provides us major insights that help with the diagnosis. The first and most important step to treating headaches and migraines is a correct diagnosis.

Headed by Dr. Drew Voelsch, our doctors are specialized in treating neuromuscular disorders. Because back and neck pain could trigger tension in the muscles and nerves that control the flow of blood to the head, our chiropractic treatment can decrease the frequency of your migraine headaches and reduce the severity and duration of migraine by focusing on your back and neck.

As mentioned above, there is no definite migraine cure. Chiropractic treatment, as a result, is an excellent way to decrease the impact of migraine without the side effects considerably. With traditional medication, adverse effects are almost a given.  

Chiropractic treatments work against migraines and headaches because we treat the migraine’s source instead of just making light the pain’s effects. Our chiropractic treatment works to:

• Restore correct nervous system communication.
• Reduce irritation in nerves, which transmit pain signals to your brain.
• Decrease muscle tension, a standard migraine trigger.
• Restore proper blood flow.
• Unlock the healing potential of your body.
• Strengthen the spine-supporting muscles.
• Detects migraine triggers to avoid future episodes or attacks.

We, at Hawkeye Chiropractic, can treat a variety of medical conditions. Migraine is one of them. And because “conventional” medicine has no real treatment for migraine, a more relaxing, side effects-free chiropractic treatment only makes more sense.

The feeling or sensation of pain is a tell-tale sign your leg is not in its optimal state and needs help. Before the pain manifests itself, a few things could act as precursors or indicate a leg pain is imminent. They include the following: 

• Numbness
• Weakness
• Cramps
• Throbbing
• Tingling

A few other likely signs you are likely to experience pain in your leg include: 

• A grinding or popping sound from the knee. It could have been due to an injury or through normal wear and tear.
• A pale, swollen, or unusually cool leg.
• Unable to stretch your legs before exercising, especially if you were able to do so earlier.
• If resting your leg after a tiring day doesn’t feel as relaxing as it usually should.

If you sit at your computer desk for hours together without a break or do not get off your chair and do some intermittent stretching or casual walking, leg pain could likely be the outcome.  

Leg pain is usually due to tissue inflammation caused by a disease or injury.

The following are the likely causes:

Joint and Tissue Problems 

Arthritis is a medical condition affecting your joints and causing pain, stiffness, and swelling in the region. When arthritis affects your knees, ankles, or hips, it could cause leg pain or make it extremely hard to walk normally or perform any regular task.

When the tissue connecting bones, referred to as a ligament, is torn or stretched, it gets injured or sprained. The injured region swells and hurts, which makes walking an almost impossible task.

Lack of Blood Flow 

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) or the lack of blood flow to your legs could cause pain in your leg. This is usually the case when your arteries are narrowed. Besides pain sensations, your legs could feel numb or weak, or they may cramp while walking. They may also look discolored or devoid of blood in specific regions.  

Blood Clotting 

Blood clotting in your lower leg or thigh vein can also be the cause of your leg pain. Referred to as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the medical world, the issue can cause pain, swelling, and your leg could become red and warm. When ignored or not treated, DVT could result in pulmonary embolism, a condition wherein the clot breaks and heads to your lungs.

Muscular-Related 

When a muscle in your leg is stretched beyond its capability, you’ll feel the same immediately as acute pain. Athletes – particularly those who play sports that entail a lot of running or some form of stretching – are more susceptible to such muscle-induced leg pain. Muscle cramps or your muscle getting tight suddenly can also bring along a sharp pain in the leg. Calf muscles are the ones that usually lose flexibility.

Loss of Electrolytes 

During exercise, your body breaks down and scrounges for important minerals and vitamins to recover and rebuild itself. Minerals – such as potassium, calcium, and sodium – exit your body through perspiration when you train. These electrolytes are critical for the muscles to be in their optimal state.

When you lose these electrolytes through training and do not care to replenish those deposits, your legs could become weak or numb or start to cramp. There’s a reason why you see athletes and bodybuilders sipping on some liquid while training.

Other Causes 

Medical conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, sciatica, herniated disc, bone cancer, baker’s cyst, etc., can all be the cause of your leg pain. Regular drug intake, physical injuries, mental stress, etc., could also be the reasons. These conditions typically interfere with or damage the nerves that relay messages from and to your brain.

Specific medical treatments such as chemotherapy can also instigate pain in the leg. Chemotherapy is radiation-induced pain that could cause peripheral neuropathy (painful numbness) or paresthesia (tingling and numbness of the feet, hands, etc.).

Some people claim back pain is the most debilitating of physiological conditions. That may be true, but leg pain is no easier to manage either. Not to mention, the thoughts of surgery and the scores of prescription drugs your doctor could put you on to treat the condition can be scary.

Fortunately, with some chiropractic treatments and a few modifications to your lifestyle, your unbearable leg pain (be it any kind) can be brought under control. We, at Hawkeye Chiropractic, have dealt with patients with all sorts of leg-related issues during our more than a decade-long service.

Under the direction of Dr. Drew Voelsch, we are committed to treating your leg pain or any other issue with your leg holistically and comprehensively. Unlike “conventional” forms of treatment, Hawkeye Chiropractic doesn’t focus on the pain symptoms but the root cause.

If you’re experiencing pain in your leg, popping in a painkiller shouldn’t be your immediate or even later resort. As alluded to above, medicines and drugs only focus on the symptoms. They do not get to the root of the problem, which you should be looking to do.

We, at Hawkeye Chiropractic, understand leg pain is likely to be deep-seated in your musculoskeletal alignment, nerves, joints, and/or bones. Our treatment process, therefore, entails the following:

• Identifying the underlying cause of the pain to work on it and correct it, preventing it from getting any worse.
• If the cause is misaligned spinal bones putting pressure on your nerves and causing pain and interfering with your nervous system, we use gentle yet effective treatments to adjust the spine. This helps relieve nerve pressure, letting the nervous system function as it should, alleviating your leg pain in the process. The same approach can be employed if a hip-related issue is a cause for the pain.
• We also employ several lifestyle adjustments, corrective exercises, and also regular adjustments. Our exercise tips ensure you stay active during treatment without exacerbating the pain or even feeling it.  

Not to mention, our bottom-up treatment approach ensures decreased likelihood of any leg pain in the future.

When you have tingling and numbness, you experience decreased feelings in the regions affected. As a result, you’ll not feel pain or temperature changes like you usually would. This lack of sense could cause issues without you realizing them.

For instance, you may touch a glass of hot water and not feel the heat at all. The realization will happen after you see your fingers scarred by the heat. Even worse, you could lacerate your finger or leg and will have no clue about the same due to the numbness.

Numbness or tingling could also be the symptom of some diseases, including diabetes, migraine, neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, Raynaud’s phenomenon, seizures, stroke, an underactive thyroid, the hardening of arteries, etc.  

Several things could cause tingling and numbness in your limbs or other parts of your body, including sitting with crossed legs and sleeping using your arm as your headrest or makeshift pillow. Such tingling and numbness usually disappear in a few minutes or seconds or once the pressure put on the nerves is released.

If, however, the sensations stick around for long, or the causes are not particularly obvious, an injury or an underlying disease could be the reason – for instance, carpal tunnel syndrome or multiple sclerosis. Certain medications used during chemotherapy can also cause paresthesia.

Some of the conditions that could cause tingling and numbness include:

• An animal or insect bite.
• Toxin ingestion through seafood.
• High or low potassium, sodium, calcium, or vitamin B-12 (cobalamin) in the body.
• Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, etc.

Specific injuries, such as damage to the nerve in the neck or a herniated disc (spine), could be the cause as well.

In the Feet and Legs 

People with diabetes could experience diabetic neuropathy, a kind of nerve damage. The condition could occur over a period as diabetes’ metabolic effects in the bloodstream affect nerves.

At least a third of the diabetic population has peripheral neuropathy, which typically leads to pain and numbness in the legs and feet. It causes paresthesia in the arms and hands less commonly, however.

Different drugs could also lead to peripheral neuropathy, including medications taken for:

• Heart conditions or blood pressure
• Cancer and chemotherapy
• Anti-alcohol treatment
• Skin problems
• Infections, etc.

In the Fingers and Hands 

Calcium is key to proper blood flow and nerve function. Deficiency of the mineral, or hypocalcemia, could cause tingling and numbness in the fingers.

Carpal tunnel syndrome could also cause tingling, numbness, and pain in fingers and hands. The syndrome causes the median nerve (in your arm) to compress in the region where it runs through the wrist.

In the hands, sudden overwhelming phases of anxiety and fear with no apparent danger could give rise to multiple symptoms, including tingling or numbness.

In the Face 

Compared to the hands and feet, the face or mouth is not as likely to experience numbness or tingling. But when it does, blame it on the compression of the facial nerves, which could have been due to infections or even the toothpaste you use.

A Few Other Causes 

Conditions such as enlarged blood vessels, scar tissue, tumor, or an infection could put undue pressure on your nerves, causing numbness and tingling. 

Similarly, swelling or inflammation of the brain or spinal cord could put pressure on the concerned nerve(s) as well. 

Kidney failure could cause tingling sensations in the feet. At Hawkeye Chiropractic, we carry out a range of tests to check if your kidneys are causing the tingling and/or numbness in your feet and legs. The tests carried out include: 

• Neurological exam
• Nerve conduction velocity test
• Electromyography that measures muscle activity
• Blood tests

Not all patients who visit our center with tingling and numbness complaints are checked for their kidneys. People who exhibit specific symptoms during the more standard examination protocols are asked to undergo the tests above. Those symptoms could be: 

• Numbness, tingling, and/or pain in the feet and legs
• Muscle twitches and cramping
• Muscle weakness
• “Pins and needles” sensation

Skin damage in the form of inflammation, rash, or injury is another reason for paresthesia. Conditions that could create such skin issues include shingles (a painful chickenpox virus-caused rash) and frostbite. 

Pregnant women could feel tingling in their feet. The growing uterus burdens the nerves running down the legs, causing the “pins and needles” sensation. 

Vitamin deficiency, as mentioned above, could also cause paresthesia. B vitamins can particularly cause feet tingling. The vitamin inadequacy could be due to an underlying condition or a poor diet. 

In people who are 60 years or older, none of the aforementioned causes could be present, but they could still experience numbness and tingling. In such cases, a holistic physical examination and various tests must be done on the patient.

If you experience numbness and tingling occasionally or due to inactivity, and if those sensations fade away within minutes, you need not seek treatment for the same. But if the issue persists or you don’t know what’s causing those sensations, consult Hawkeye Chiropractic.

As mentioned above, tingling and numbness or burning could denote a medical condition or serious injury. During our diagnosis, Dr. Drew Voelsch would inquire you about your medical history and carry out several tests to rule out the following:

• A neck, back, or head injury
• Walking difficulties
• Loss of consciousness
• Trouble thinking clearly or feelings of confusion
• Vision issues
• Slurred speech
• Severe pain or feelings of weakness.
• Losing bowel or bladder control

Some of the above conditions may seem irrelevant to your paresthesia at first. But when you dig deep, you realize how inter-connected and deep-seated those tingling and numbing sensations can be. 

Headed by Dr. Voelsch, our doctors are trained, knowledgeable, and experienced enough to accurately look for these issues before devising and proceeding with the treatment. There’s no standard treatment approach at Hawkeye Chiropractic. Each treatment plan is set up based on a patient’s specific concerns. 

Based on our findings, we either proceed with the treatment or order for more tests, which could include: 

• Blood tests
• Thyroid function testing
• Electrolyte level testing
• Toxicology screening
• Nerve conduction studies
• Vitamin level testing

Imaging tests – including an angiogram, X-ray, MRI, CT scan, ultrasound, etc. – could also help our doctors reach a diagnosis. 

Most cases of tingling and numbness can be brought under control with regular chiropractic treatment and care. Our goal is to get rid of the irritation and restore correct nerve functioning. We accomplish this through different treatment approaches – for instance, spinal manipulation (to correct misalignments). 

Dr. Drew Voelsch will evaluate your neck and spine to look for misalignments and carry out adjustments to rectify twisted, out-of-place, or turned vertebrae (if any). It should help to restore the correct nerve functioning, which will fix the tingling and numbness. You’ll also experience an improvement in your health overall. 

Staying in line with chiropractic principles, no painkillers, needles, etc., would be employed to treat your condition. If you came to Hawkeye Chiropractic feeling intimidated by the traditional treatment approaches, you’d be pleased to learn about our treatment plans.

When you have tingling and numbness, you experience decreased feelings in the regions affected. As a result, you’ll not feel pain or temperature changes like you usually would. This lack of sense could cause issues without you realizing them.

For instance, you may touch a glass of hot water and not feel the heat at all. The realization will happen after you see your fingers scarred by the heat. Even worse, you could lacerate your finger or leg and will have no clue about the same due to the numbness.

Numbness or tingling could also be the symptom of some diseases, including diabetes, migraine, neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, Raynaud’s phenomenon, seizures, stroke, an underactive thyroid, the hardening of arteries, etc.  

Several things could cause tingling and numbness in your limbs or other parts of your body, including sitting with crossed legs and sleeping using your arm as your headrest or makeshift pillow. Such tingling and numbness usually disappear in a few minutes or seconds or once the pressure put on the nerves is released.

If, however, the sensations stick around for long, or the causes are not particularly obvious, an injury or an underlying disease could be the reason – for instance, carpal tunnel syndrome or multiple sclerosis. Certain medications used during chemotherapy can also cause paresthesia.

Some of the conditions that could cause tingling and numbness include:

• An animal or insect bite.
• Toxin ingestion through seafood.
• High or low potassium, sodium, calcium, or vitamin B-12 (cobalamin) in the body.
• Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, etc.

Specific injuries, such as damage to the nerve in the neck or a herniated disc (spine), could be the cause as well.

In the Feet and Legs 

People with diabetes could experience diabetic neuropathy, a kind of nerve damage. The condition could occur over a period as diabetes’ metabolic effects in the bloodstream affect nerves.

At least a third of the diabetic population has peripheral neuropathy, which typically leads to pain and numbness in the legs and feet. It causes paresthesia in the arms and hands less commonly, however.

Different drugs could also lead to peripheral neuropathy, including medications taken for:

• Heart conditions or blood pressure
• Cancer and chemotherapy
• Anti-alcohol treatment
• Skin problems
• Infections, etc.

In the Fingers and Hands 

Calcium is key to proper blood flow and nerve function. Deficiency of the mineral, or hypocalcemia, could cause tingling and numbness in the fingers.

Carpal tunnel syndrome could also cause tingling, numbness, and pain in fingers and hands. The syndrome causes the median nerve (in your arm) to compress in the region where it runs through the wrist.

In the hands, sudden overwhelming phases of anxiety and fear with no apparent danger could give rise to multiple symptoms, including tingling or numbness.

In the Face 

Compared to the hands and feet, the face or mouth is not as likely to experience numbness or tingling. But when it does, blame it on the compression of the facial nerves, which could have been due to infections or even the toothpaste you use.

A Few Other Causes 

Conditions such as enlarged blood vessels, scar tissue, tumor, or an infection could put undue pressure on your nerves, causing numbness and tingling. 

Similarly, swelling or inflammation of the brain or spinal cord could put pressure on the concerned nerve(s) as well. 

Kidney failure could cause tingling sensations in the feet. At Hawkeye Chiropractic, we carry out a range of tests to check if your kidneys are causing the tingling and/or numbness in your feet and legs. The tests carried out include: 

• Neurological exam
• Nerve conduction velocity test
• Electromyography that measures muscle activity
• Blood tests

Not all patients who visit our center with tingling and numbness complaints are checked for their kidneys. People who exhibit specific symptoms during the more standard examination protocols are asked to undergo the tests above. Those symptoms could be: 

• Numbness, tingling, and/or pain in the feet and legs
• Muscle twitches and cramping
• Muscle weakness
• “Pins and needles” sensation

Skin damage in the form of inflammation, rash, or injury is another reason for paresthesia. Conditions that could create such skin issues include shingles (a painful chickenpox virus-caused rash) and frostbite. 

Pregnant women could feel tingling in their feet. The growing uterus burdens the nerves running down the legs, causing the “pins and needles” sensation. 

Vitamin deficiency, as mentioned above, could also cause paresthesia. B vitamins can particularly cause feet tingling. The vitamin inadequacy could be due to an underlying condition or a poor diet. 

In people who are 60 years or older, none of the aforementioned causes could be present, but they could still experience numbness and tingling. In such cases, a holistic physical examination and various tests must be done on the patient.

If you experience numbness and tingling occasionally or due to inactivity, and if those sensations fade away within minutes, you need not seek treatment for the same. But if the issue persists or you don’t know what’s causing those sensations, consult Hawkeye Chiropractic.

As mentioned above, tingling and numbness or burning could denote a medical condition or serious injury. During our diagnosis, Dr. Drew Voelsch would inquire you about your medical history and carry out several tests to rule out the following:

• A neck, back, or head injury
• Walking difficulties
• Loss of consciousness
• Trouble thinking clearly or feelings of confusion
• Vision issues
• Slurred speech
• Severe pain or feelings of weakness.
• Losing bowel or bladder control

Some of the above conditions may seem irrelevant to your paresthesia at first. But when you dig deep, you realize how inter-connected and deep-seated those tingling and numbing sensations can be. 

Headed by Dr. Voelsch, our doctors are trained, knowledgeable, and experienced enough to accurately look for these issues before devising and proceeding with the treatment. There’s no standard treatment approach at Hawkeye Chiropractic. Each treatment plan is set up based on a patient’s specific concerns. 

Based on our findings, we either proceed with the treatment or order for more tests, which could include: 

• Blood tests
• Thyroid function testing
• Electrolyte level testing
• Toxicology screening
• Nerve conduction studies
• Vitamin level testing

Imaging tests – including an angiogram, X-ray, MRI, CT scan, ultrasound, etc. – could also help our doctors reach a diagnosis. 

Most cases of tingling and numbness can be brought under control with regular chiropractic treatment and care. Our goal is to get rid of the irritation and restore correct nerve functioning. We accomplish this through different treatment approaches – for instance, spinal manipulation (to correct misalignments). 

Dr. Drew Voelsch will evaluate your neck and spine to look for misalignments and carry out adjustments to rectify twisted, out-of-place, or turned vertebrae (if any). It should help to restore the correct nerve functioning, which will fix the tingling and numbness. You’ll also experience an improvement in your health overall. 

Staying in line with chiropractic principles, no painkillers, needles, etc., would be employed to treat your condition. If you came to Hawkeye Chiropractic feeling intimidated by the traditional treatment approaches, you’d be pleased to learn about our treatment plans.