Numbness & Tingling

Overview

Numbness, tingling, or a “pins-and-needles” feeling means a nerve somewhere along its path is irritated or compressed. Finding where is the key to relief.

Where the irritation usually starts

Many cases trace back to a pinched nerve in the spine or a disc issue. Because the symptom appears in the arm or leg, the real source is easy to miss without a careful exam.

Relieving nerve pressure at the source

Our corrective care restores motion to the involved segment and reduces the pressure irritating the nerve, helping sensation normalize.

Recognize It

What it feels like — and why it happens.

Common symptoms

Pins-and-needles or prickling
Numbness in the arm, hand, leg, or foot
Burning or electric sensations
Weakness or clumsiness
Symptoms worse in certain positions
A limb that "falls asleep" easily

Common causes

Pinched or compressed spinal nerve
Disc bulge or herniation
Poor posture and joint restriction
Repetitive strain
Nerve entrapment in the limb
Old injuries and compensations

Know The Signs

Who’s at risk — and when to get checked.

Risk factors

Desk work and poor posture
Repetitive or sustained positions
Disc degeneration or prior injury
Forward-head, rounded-shoulder posture
Excess body weight
Prolonged sitting

When to seek care

Numbness or tingling lasting more than a few days
Symptoms spreading or worsening
Weakness or loss of coordination
Numbness with neck or back pain
Symptoms affecting daily tasks
Sudden numbness with weakness or slurred speech (seek urgent care)

Our Approach

From problem to outcome.

A clear, four-part path — so you always understand what’s happening and what comes next.

Step 1 — The Problem

The Problem

Numbness and tingling occur when a nerve is compressed or irritated — often at the spine, but sometimes farther along its path. Identifying the exact location is essential.

Step 2 — How We Evaluate

How We Evaluate

We trace your symptoms to the involved nerve with orthopedic and neurological testing, then assess the spine and joints along its path.

Step 3 — How We Treat It

How We Treat It

Care relieves the pressure at its source with specific adjustments and corrective work, while we monitor how sensation responds.

Step 4 — Expected Outcome

Expected Outcome

Many patients see numbness and tingling fade as nerve pressure eases — and learn how to keep it from returning.

Recovery Timeline

What progress looks like.

Every body is different, but here’s the general arc of care most patients follow.

Locate

Identify the irritated nerve and its source.

Relieve

Reduce pressure with specific care.

Reinforce

Restore support to prevent recurrence.

Questions, Answered

Questions about numbness & tingling

It usually means a nerve is irritated or compressed somewhere along its path — frequently in the spine. Our exam locates the source so care targets the real problem rather than the symptom.

Often, yes — particularly when the cause is a pinched nerve or disc-related irritation in the spine. We relieve the pressure at its source and monitor how sensation responds.

Sudden numbness with weakness, slurred speech, or facial drooping needs urgent care. So does numbness with loss of bladder or bowel control. Our screening checks for these red flags first.

Keep Exploring

Connected care, connected answers.

Understanding the full picture helps you make confident decisions about your health.

Free Downloads

Keep learning at home.

Free guides from Dr. Drew related to numbness & tingling — yours to download and keep.

Function of Spinal Nerves A reference chart of what each level of your spine controls — and the symptoms that can appear when a nerve is irritated. Download PDF

Browse all free patient resources

Real Results

Real stories from Forza patients.

Real Arlington Heights patients who came to Forza for relief — and found measurable, lasting results.

“I was is rough shape..... working since I was 14 doing manual labor. Experiencing numbness in almost every part of body. I could not even use a screwdriver anymore unless I took 4 advil in the morning. My wife visited Forza Chiropractor in the past and told me to go. I have been to 4 other Chiropractor on and off for the past 5 year and didn't help me. Dr. Drew is a professional...I feel like a different person and cannot believe the results in just a few visits. I perform better at my job and it allows me to move more outside of work so I can stop talking pain pills. Forza has the best staff and knowledge to keep pain free. Thanks to Dr. Drew and staff!!”

Armando Ferrazzoulo
Google review · Jul 23, 2026

“I have been going here since May and Dr. Drew and his staff are all wonderful. I was happy that Dr. Drew took X-rays and took the time to show me and explain what was going on in my spine. I have a lot less pain and tingling now. The office is clean and everyone is friendly. It’s a fun atmosphere, which makes doing therapy work a lot more pleasant. Highly recommend!”

Diane Jordan
Google review · Jul 20, 2024

“Dr. Drew and his team are awesome. The Hawkeye team is always professional, concerned, attentive and available. I came in with neck, shoulder and back pain. Dr. Drew is the third chiropractor I've seen, and after only a couple visits my back started feeling better. It's been a few months since I've started seeing Dr. Drew and I can finally do day-to-day activities without any pain, numbness or aches. Dr. Drew took the time to examine and assess my issues, set goals for progression and explain each treatment to me. The office is always very clean as well. Overall 10/10 experience every visit.”

Matt Zach
Google review · May 29, 2020

“Dr. Drew at Hawkeye Chiropractic is the best chiropractor in the Arlington Heights / Chicagoland. I have been to many chiropractors over the last few years, and I am so glad I found Dr Drew and if you are reading this review ..look no further - I was also lead to him through online reviews. I had excruciating pain from my neck , shoulder, and all the way down to my right hand for a month prior to visiting Dr Drew and I have tried everything: acupuncture, cupping, massages, heat/cold therapy and nothing worked until I visited Hawkeye Chiropractic. After about 5 visits - my pain was gone..the tingling numbness in my hands were gone.. it's been now 2 months since seeing Dr. Drew for therapy and chiropractic adjustments and I AM SO HAPPY that i can live, work, and do activities before the pain I had. I will be continuing my sessions with Dr. Drew for the remainder of the year. Dr Drew takes time to explain your current condition , your progression, and your health goals. He is very caring with patients, his family and the community. Look no further.. if you're in pain or even for those that want to maintain a healthy lifestyle, please contact Dr. Drew at Hawkeye Chiropractic.”