Individuals feeling tingling or pins and needles sensations that overtake the arms or legs could be experiencing paresthesia, which occurs when a nerve has been compressed or damaged. Can knowing the symptoms and causes help in diagnosis and treatment?
Paresthesia Body Sensations
The numbness or tingling feeling when an arm, leg, or foot has fallen asleep is not so much about blood circulation but nerve function.
Paresthesia is an abnormal sensation felt in the body due to the compression or irritation of nerves.
It can be a mechanical cause like a compressed/pinched nerve.
Or it may be due to a medical condition, injury, or illness.
The symptoms typically last for 30 minutes or less.
Shaking the affected limb often relieves the sensations.
Paresthesia usually affects only one arm or leg at a time.
However, both arms and legs can be affected, depending on the cause.
Consult a healthcare provider if the symptoms last for more than 30 minutes. Treatment may be required if paresthesia body sensations are brought on by a serious underlying cause.
Causes
Sitting with incorrect and unhealthy postures can compress a nerve and generate symptoms. However, some causes are more concerning and can include:
If the symptoms don’t go away after 30 minutes or keep returning for unknown reasons, call a healthcare provider to find out what is causing the abnormal sensations. A worsening case should be monitored by a healthcare provider.
Peripheral neuropathy caused by diabetes usually begins with a feeling of paresthesia in the foot/feet and can worsen and lead to other complications.
A healthcare provider will work with the individual to understand the symptoms and perform the appropriate diagnostic tests to determine the cause. A healthcare provider will choose the tests based on a physical examination. Common diagnostic procedures include: (Merck Manual Professional Version. 2022)
Magnetic resonance imaging – MRI of the spine, brain, or extremities.
X-ray to rule out bone abnormalities, like a fracture.
Blood tests.
Electromyography – EMG studies.
Nerve conduction velocity – NCV test.
If paresthesia is accompanied by back or neck pain, a healthcare provider may suspect a compressed/pinched spinal nerve.
If the individual has a history of diabetes that is poorly controlled, they may suspect peripheral neuropathy.
Treatment
Treatment for paresthesia depends on the diagnosis. A healthcare provider can help determine the best course of action for the specific condition.
Nervous System
If symptoms are triggered by a central nervous condition like MS, individuals will work closely with their healthcare provider to get the appropriate treatment.
If paresthesia is caused by compression of a spinal nerve, like sciatica, individuals may be referred to a chiropractor and physical therapy team to release the nerve and pressure. (Julie M. Fritz, et al., 2021)
A physical therapist may prescribe spinal exercises to relieve compression of the nerve and restore normal sensations and motion.
Strengthening exercises to restore flexibility and mobility may be prescribed if weakness presents along with paresthesia body sensations.
Herniated Disc
If a herniated disc is causing the abnormal sensations, and there has been no improvement with conservative measures, a healthcare provider may suggest surgery to relieve pressure on the nerve/s. (American Association of Neurological Surgeons. 2023)
In surgical procedures like a laminectomy or discectomy, the objective is to restore nerve function.
Post-surgery, individuals may be recommended to a physical therapist to help regain mobility.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2023) Paresthesia.
American Association of Neurological Surgeons. (2023) Herniated disc.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2018) Peripheral neuropathy.
Merck Manual Professional Version. (2022) Numbness.
Razazian, N., Yavari, Z., Farnia, V., Azizi, A., Kordavani, L., Bahmani, D. S., Holsboer-Trachsler, E., & Brand, S. (2016). Exercising Impacts on Fatigue, Depression, and Paresthesia in Female Patients with Multiple Sclerosis. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 48(5), 796–803. doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000000834
Fritz, J. M., Lane, E., McFadden, M., Brennan, G., Magel, J. S., Thackeray, A., Minick, K., Meier, W., & Greene, T. (2021). Physical Therapy Referral From Primary Care for Acute Back Pain With Sciatica : A Randomized Controlled Trial. Annals of internal medicine, 174(1), 8–17. doi.org/10.7326/M20-4187
The nervous system communicates with the entire body and reacts to internal and external changes using electrical and chemical impulses to send and receive messages. Messages travel/synapse from one neuron to another using specialized chemicals known as neurotransmitters. Paresthesia refers to sensations of numbness, tingling, prickling, skin crawling, itching, or burning, usually in the arms, hands, legs, and/or feet, but can affect other areas of the body. Chiropractic care, massage therapy, decompression therapy, and functional medicine can relieve tissue and nerve compression, improve flexibility, range of motion, and mobility, and strengthen the muscles surrounding the affected nerve to maintain optimal health and prevent worsening or further injury.
Paresthesia
The sensation comes on without warning and is usually painless and described as tingling or numbness. There are different causes of paresthesia, including:
Some individuals have chronic or long-term paresthesia, which can be a sign of a more serious nerve injury or condition. Added physical stress can cause surrounding tissues to irritate or entangle the nerve leading to building pressure. This pressure causes paresthesia in the area interrupting circulation and function. A pinched nerve can happen anywhere in the body, like the neck, shoulder, wrist, back, and face.
A herniated disc in the lower spine can cause back pain and paresthesia in the leg or foot on the affected side.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a pinched nerve in the wrist that causes numbness and tingling in the hand and fingers.
Pinched nerve symptoms can be intermittent or constant.
Usually, a temporary sensation is caused when pressure is placed on the affected nerve.
Once that pressure is relieved, the discomfort goes away.
Individuals with an Increased Risk
Overuse Injury
Individuals with jobs or hobbies requiring repetitive motions are at a higher risk for nerve compression, paresthesia, or injury.
Anyone can get a pinched nerve, and most individuals will experience paresthesia at some point.
Weight and water gain can cause swelling and increase pressure on nerves.
Thyroid Disease
This puts individuals at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Rheumatoid arthritis
This causes inflammation, which can also compress nerves in the joints.
Diagnosis
To diagnose paresthesis, a doctor will look at the individual’s medical history and ask questions about the symptoms. They will perform a physical examination and, depending on the findings, may recommend tests that can include:
Nerve Conduction Study
This measures how fast nerve impulses travel in the muscles.
Electromyography – EMG
To look at the electrical activity of how nerves and muscles interact.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging – MRI
This looks at the different areas of the body in high definition.
Ultrasound
Used to produce images, this can be applied to the smaller areas to look for nerve compression or damage.
Chiropractic
Treatment options depend on the cause of the paresthesia. Body misalignments can cause nerve interference that can lead to health problems such as migraines, or can disrupt nerve communication and block proper circulation. Chiropractic care focuses on treating the nervous system and is a safe and effective method for treating nerve problems that cause discomfort and sensations. After a thorough examination of problem areas, massage, decompression, and chiropractic adjustments will:
Bova, Joseph, and Adam Sergent. “Chiropractic management of a 24-year-old woman with idiopathic, intermittent right-sided hemiparesthesia.” Journal of chiropractic medicine vol. 13,4 (2014): 282-6. doi:10.1016/j.jcm.2014.08.002
Christensen, Kim D, and Kirsten Buswell. “Chiropractic outcomes for managing radiculopathy in a hospital setting: a retrospective review of 162 patients.” Journal of chiropractic medicine vol. 7,3 (2008): 115-25. doi:10.1016/j.jcm.2008.05.001
Freihofer, H P Jr. “Parästhesien” [Paresthesia]. Schweizerische Monatsschrift fur Zahnheilkunde = Revue mensuelle suisse d’odonto-stomatologie vol. 89,2 (1979): 124-5.
Karne, Sampada Swapneel, and Nilima Sudhakar Bhalerao. “Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Hypothyroidism.” Journal of Clinical and diagnostic research: JCDR vol. 10,2 (2016): OC36-8. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2016/16464.7316
It’s not unusual for runners to experience tingling, pins and needles, and numbness in their feet while running. Running foot numbness is a relatively common problem for runners and can be easily remedied. Numbness will present in one part of the foot or just the toes. Sometimes it can spread throughout the whole foot. Different causes, most of which are not serious, can be easily dealt with. Serious causes can be treated with chiropractic, massage, decompression therapy, and functional medicine.
Running Foot Numbness
Reasons, why the feet experience numbing sensations when running, include:
Improper footwear.
Laces that are tied too tightly.
Foot strike pattern.
Foot structure.
Training schedule.
Muscle tightness.
Compressed nerve.
Medical conditions like neuromas or peripheral neuropathy.
Footwear
A common cause of running foot numbness is having overly tight shoes that place added pressure on nerves.
If this could be the reason, the remedy is to get new shoes.
Try to find a store that specializes in running shoes and ask for help.
Footwear professionals look at the size of the foot, the shape, and running gait.
For example, individuals with a wide foot may need a style with a wider/larger toebox or the front of the shoe that houses the forefoot.
Get a pair that’s one-half to a full size larger than a regular everyday shoe size.
This is because when running, the feet swell, especially in hot and humid weather.
Going up a half or whole size will also accommodate thicker socks for individuals that run in cold weather.
Sometimes numbness can result from biomechanical issues that can be corrected with the proper shoe.
Tight Laces
Sometimes it’s not the shoes but the laces that are too tight.
Pulling a little tighter to get a firm fit around the ankle is common, but this can entrap nerves on top of the foot at the ankle/anterior tarsal tunnel, similar to the carpal tunnel in the wrist.
This can be problematic for individuals with high arches.
Loosening the laces are recommended.
However, runners may feel insecure with looser laces.
Experimenting with different lacing techniques is recommended to find one that keeps the shoes comfortable without creating undue pressure over the top of the foot.
Using padding under the tongue of the shoe can help.
Foot Fall Pattern
Sometimes running form can put pressure on nerves that, lead to numbness.
Overstriding– Landing heel first with the foot ahead of the body’s center of gravity places the feet on the ground for too long.
Correcting this issue can be achieved by shortening the stride and focusing on landing on the midsole.
This way, the feet will land directly under the body.
Running like stepping on hot coals is recommended, keeping the movements light and quick.
Correcting overstriding saves energy and lowers the risk of shin splints.
A sports chiropractor, physical therapist, or running coach can help fine-tune form for specific guidance.
Foot Structure
The anatomy of the feet, specifically the arches, can contribute to running foot numbness.
Flat feet mean the entire bottom of each foot is in contact with the floor when barefoot.
Overly flexible feet are more likely to experience nerve compression.
This can be corrected with shoe orthotic inserts.
Over-the-counter orthotics may work, but custom orthotics are another option if they don’t.
Muscle Tightness
Stiff, inflexible muscles can lead to anatomical conditions that generate nerve pressure.
Warm-up exercises before running will get the muscles loose and ready.
Stretching is very important before and after running.
Individuals prone to muscle tightness should include flexibility exercises.
Yoga can improve flexibility and body alignment.
Foam rollers and other massage tools will work out kinks in areas where tightness forms and affects nerves, like the quadriceps, calves, hamstrings, and I.T. band.
Regular sports massage and chiropractic can help keep the body pliable.
Sciatic Nerve Issues
A compressed nerve causes a decrease in the sensation to the areas the nerve supplies.
Foot numbness, especially around the heel or the sole, can be caused by sciatic nerve compression.
The pain from sciatica might originate in the back but can end up causing numbness in the feet and/or toes.
Poor posture, tight piriformis muscles, or other back injuries can also cause sciatica.
A chiropractor or physical therapist can prescribe decompression therapy, MET stretches, and rehabilitative exercises.
Prevention
Most of the time, running foot numbness can be treated by adjusting footwear or technique. Here are a few tips for injury prevention:
Evaluate Shoes
First, make sure the shoelaces are not overly tight.
If the shoes are uncomfortable when running, look for another set and get a custom fitting.
Running Form
Avoid overstriding by focusing on landing on the midsole instead of the heel.
This will take the pressure off of the feet.
Foot Orthotics
Individuals with flat feet, high arches, or overly flexible feet should consider orthotics.
Avoid Overtraining
Work rest days into the training schedule and gradually build up to avoid overuse injuries.
Stretch to prevent muscle imbalances, keep muscles loose, and improve the range of motion.
Chiropractic and Physical Therapy
If symptoms don’t improve, see a doctor, podiatrist, or chiropractor so they can rule out conditions and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Benefits of Custom Foot Orthotics
References
Aldridge, Tracy. “Diagnosing heel pain in adults.” American family physician vol. 70,2 (2004): 332-8.
Atik, Aziz, and Selahattin Ozyurek. “Flexible flatfoot.” Northern Clinics of Istanbul vol. 1,1 57-64. 3 Aug. 2014, doi:10.14744/nci.2014.29292
Jackson, D L, and B L Haglund. “Tarsal tunnel syndrome in runners.” Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) vol. 13,2 (1992): 146-9. doi:10.2165/00007256-199213020-00010
Souza, Richard B. “An Evidence-Based Videotaped Running Biomechanics Analysis.” Physical Medicine and rehabilitation clinics of North America vol. 27,1 (2016): 217-36. doi:10.1016/j.pmr.2015.08.006
Sridhara, C R, and K L Izzo. “Terminal sensory branches of the superficial peroneal nerve: an entrapment syndrome.” Archives of physical medicine and Rehabilitation vol. 66,11 (1985): 789-91.
The function of the arm is to allow for movement of the wrist and hand. Various muscles initiate the arm’s actions, large muscles flex and extend, pronate and supinate, and the more sensitive muscles allow fine motor control. Lifting capacity and grip strength come from the arm muscles, making them essential for all types of activities. Because of the many functions and jobs the hands and arms do, added stress is placed on them. Arm discomfort symptoms, radiating pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling are common conditions. Chiropractic care can relieve injury symptoms and restore mobility and function.
Arm Discomfort Symptoms
The muscles of the upper arm, the biceps, and the triceps, control the movement and positioning of the elbow joint, and the muscles of the forearm control the wrist and hand. There are 30 bones from the top of the arm to the tip of the finger that include:
The humerus in the upper arm.
Ulna and radius in the forearm.
Carpal bones in the wrist.
Metacarpals and phalanges make up the hand and fingers.
The joints allow movement between the bones and are stabilized by ligaments and joint capsules.
Symptoms
Discomfort or Radiation
Symptoms vary based on the severity of the injury but commonly include.
Numbness and tingling in the elbow, forearm, or hand can develop.
Pain sensations often radiate to other areas.
Causes
Individuals that work with their hands related to work, home tasks, sports, or hobby activities, such as construction workers, hair stylists, store cashiers, graphic artists, automotive technicians, carpenters, painters, butchers, and more, have an increased risk of injury and developing chronic conditions. Work that involves manually cutting, writing, typing, gripping, operating motorized tools, hair clippers, working with animals, etc., makes the arms susceptible to injury from the constant stress on the ligaments. Common overuse injuries affecting the upper extremity include:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
These conditions involve the nerves of the forearm.
Prolonged or repetitive bending or flexing of the wrist or elbow can generate swelling pressure that compresses the nerve/s.
Symptoms include numbness, coldness, tingling, and/or weakness in the hand and fingers.
Tennis, Golfer, and Pitcher Elbow
These conditions involve the inflammation of the tendon structures surrounding the elbow joint.
Repeating the same motion over and over causes damage.
This leads to tenderness and pain inside and surrounding the elbow.
De Quervain’s syndrome affects tendon structure in the wrist.
Swelling near the base of the thumb.
Individuals have difficulty grasping objects.
This is common for landscapers, gardeners, and sports where constant gripping is involved.
Tendonitis
Tendons attach muscles and bones
The condition causes tendon inflammation, presenting pain in the area around single or multiple joints.
Common types include wrist tendonitis, pitcher’s shoulder, and swimmer’s shoulder.
Tendon Tears
Overuse and frequent stress from continuous motion can wear tendons to the point of partial or complete tearing.
Rotator cuff tears in the shoulder are often caused by overuse wearing down.
Chiropractic Treatment
Chiropractic and massage therapy can rehabilitate arm injuries, restore function and reduce arm discomfort symptoms. Treatment includes:
Ice or heat treatment.
Manual therapy – soft tissue massage and trigger point alleviation.
Joint mobilization.
Taping or bracing support.
Rehabilitation targeted exercises.
Work and sports modification training.
Training on upper extremity overuse, practicing caution, and knowing when to seek professional medical help.
Shoulder Pain Rehabilitation
References
Bass, Evelyn. “Tendinopathy: why the difference between tendinitis and tendinosis matters.” International Journal of therapeutic massage & Bodywork vol. 5,1 (2012): 14-7. doi:10.3822/ijtmb.v5i1.153
Cutts, S et al. “Tennis elbow: A clinical review article.” Journal of Orthopaedics vol. 17 203-207. 10 Aug. 2019, doi:10.1016/j.jor.2019.08.005
Hoe, Victor C W, et al. “Ergonomic design and training for preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limb and neck in adults.” The Cochrane Database of systematic reviews vol. 2012,8 CD008570. 15 Aug. 2012, doi:10.1002/14651858.CD008570.pub2
Konijnenberg, H S et al. “Conservative treatment for repetitive strain injury.” Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health vol. 27,5 (2001): 299-310. doi:10.5271/sjweh.618
Luger, Tessy, et al. “Work-break schedules for preventing musculoskeletal symptoms and disorders in healthy workers.” The Cochrane Database of systematic reviews vol. 7,7 CD012886. 23 Jul. 2019, doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012886.pub2
Pitzer, Michael E et al. “Elbow tendinopathy.” The Medical Clinics of North America vol. 98,4 (2014): 833-49, xiii. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2014.04.002
Verhagen, Arianne P et al. “Conservative interventions for treating work-related complaints of the arm, neck or shoulder in adults.” The Cochrane Database of systematic reviews vol. 2013,12 CD008742. 12 Dec. 2013, doi:10.1002/14651858.CD008742.pub2
Zaremski, Jason L et al. “Sport Specialization and Overuse Injuries in Adolescent Throwing Athletes: A Narrative Review.” Journal of athletic training vol. 54,10 (2019): 1030-1039. doi:10.4085/1062-6050-333-18
Sciatica can range from mild to severe. Most individuals are familiar with severe cases because of the intense shooting throbbing pain. On the other hand, mild cases can present with little to no discomfort or pain but involve tingling, pins and needles, electrical buzzing, and numbing sensations. This can make individuals think there is nothing wrong and their foot just fell asleep. It can come from nowhere, as there was no obvious back or leg trauma causing injury. However, somewhere along the nerve’s path, the nerve has become compressed, pinched, trapped, stuck, or twisted, most likely from a spasming muscle group in the low back, buttocks, or legs causing the sciatica foot symptoms. Chiropractic, massage, and decompression therapy can relax the muscles, relieve the symptoms, release the nerve, and restore function.
Sciatica Foot Symptoms
The sciatic nerve extends from the lower spine to the feet. Sciatica foot symptoms could be caused by several possibilities that range from piriformis syndrome to a developing slipped disc or spasming muscles. The symptoms travel through the nerve and can be felt anywhere along the nerve’s path, not necessarily at the source. This is why mild cases may only present with slight pricking/tingling sensations. However, left untreated, the cause can progress and develop into a severe case of sciatica.
Symptoms
The length of time that sciatica foot symptoms last will depend on the underlying cause. For example, if a herniated disc is the cause, the numbness may last for a few weeks or months until the disc heals. However, the numbness may be more long-lasting if sciatica is caused by degenerative disc disease. Sometimes, the nerve can be permanently damaged, leading to chronic pain and numbness. This is more likely to occur in individuals with diabetes or another condition that causes nerve damage.
A varying degree of leg weakness can present as the spinal nerve root issues interfere with effective signal communication between the brain and the leg muscles.
Leg weakness may also be interpreted as a pulling sensation in the leg.
Weakness in the foot or toe muscles can also present.
Leg movements such as walking, running, lifting the leg, or flexing the foot can also be affected.
The tingling and numbing sensations may worsen when sitting or standing for long periods or moving the back in certain ways.
Treatment
Chiropractic care is an excellent option for treating sciatica foot symptoms and starts with a personalized plan based on individual symptoms, injury, and medical history. Chiropractors are neuromusculoskeletal experts on the spine, vertebrae, surrounding muscles, tissues, and nerves. Treatment includes spinal and extremity adjustments to realign the body, decrease inflammation, relieve pressure, release the nerve, and ultimately allow the body to activate its natural healing processes.
Massage
Massage therapy can relieve muscle tension and spasms in the back and legs, reducing pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Massage also increases blood circulation and relaxes the muscles, speeding healing and recovery.
Electrical Stimulation
Electrical stimulation activates the nerves and muscles and reduces symptoms by blocking signals.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy exercises can help stretch and strengthen the back and leg muscles.
Targeted exercises can be done at home to continue strengthening and maintaining the muscles.
Foot Orthotics
Using orthotic devices such as arch supports or heel cups can help relieve pressure on the feet.
Arch supports are especially helpful if sciatica foot symptoms are exacerbated by flat feet or other foot conditions.
Heel cups can help with the frequent use of high heels.
Emary, Peter C. “Evidence-based prognostication in a case of sciatica.” The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association vol. 59,1 (2015): 24-9.
Frost, Lydia R et al. “Deficits in foot skin sensation are related to alterations in balance control in chronic low back patients experiencing clinical signs of lumbar nerve root impingement.” Gait & posture vol. 41,4 (2015): 923-8. doi:10.1016/j.gaitpost.2015.03.345
Shakeel, Muhammad, et al. “An uncommon cause of sciatica.” Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons–Pakistan: JCPSP vol. 19,2 (2009): 127-9.
Tampin, Brigitte, et al. “Disentangling ‘sciatica’ to understand and characterize somatosensory profiles and potential pain mechanisms.” Scandinavian journal of pain vol. 22,1 48-58. 2 Aug. 2021, doi:10.1515/sjpain-2021-0058
Spinal nerves send motor, sensory, and autonomic signals between the central nervous system and the body and are part of the peripheral nervous system. They are essential for carrying information that controls body movements and sensations to the brain. When a nerve gets injured, compressed, or damaged, it can cause discomfort, increased sensitivity, numbness, muscle weakness, and pain.
Damaged Nerve Roots
Nerve root pain is often caused by other underlying conditions that have caused compression or damage to the nerve root. Causes of nerve root pain can include:
Spinal nerves impacted by injuries or infection can lose their ability to control the body areas, lose their functional capacity, lose sensation, and die.
Spinal Imaging
Nerve damage can be diagnosed on a neurological exam and correlated with MRI and X-ray imaging. Conditions that MRI can identify include herniated discs, spinal cord compression or fracture, arthritic development, tumors, or cysts pressing on a nerve.
MRI images are obtained with a magnetic field and radio waves.
MRI shows spine images from the side/sagittal view and cross-sectional/axial views.
This allows the chiropractic doctor to see the vertebrae and discs and identify abnormalities.
The spinal cord is a gray area in the middle surrounded by the spinal fluid, which appears white.
Little white channels on either side of the spinal cord are where the nerve roots branch off.
X-rays can show the alignment of the bones along the spine and determine any narrowing or damage to the discs.
It is important to be evaluated and diagnosed for signs and symptoms of nerve injury as soon as possible, as nerve damage accelerates and worsens.
Function Restoration
Sometimes, the symptoms improve by themselves and do not require treatment. Nonetheless, physicians begin with conservative, non-surgical approaches to treat nerve root pain. Chiropractic and physical massage therapy involves specific movements, stretches, and exercises to keep the affected muscles and joints active,prevent stiffness and help restore function and feeling. Treatment can include:
Therapeutic massage
Manual adjustment/resistance treatment
Trigger point therapy
Instrument-assisted soft tissue therapy
Decompression
Traction
Joint stretching
Electrical stimulation
Ultrasound
Specialized exercise
Activity modification
Anti-inflammatory diet
Nerve Chiropractor
References
Liu, Yan, and Huan Wang. “Peripheral nerve injury-induced changes in the spinal cord and strategies to counteract/enhance the changes to promote nerve regeneration.” Neural regeneration research vol. 15,2 (2020): 189-198. doi:10.4103/1673-5374.265540
Menorca, Ron M G, et al. “Nerve physiology: mechanisms of injury and recovery.” Hand clinics vol. 29,3 (2013): 317-30. doi:10.1016/j.hcl.2013.04.002
Shehab, Safa Al-Deen Saudi. “Fifth lumbar spinal nerve injury causes neurochemical changes in corresponding and adjacent spinal segments: a possible mechanism underlying neuropathic pain.” Journal of chemical neuroanatomy vol. 55 (2014): 38-50. doi:10.1016/j.jchemneu.2013.12.002
Stoll, G, and H W Müller. “Nerve injury, axonal degeneration, and neural regeneration: basic insights.” Brain pathology (Zurich, Switzerland) vol. 9,2 (1999): 313-25. doi:10.1111/j.1750-3639.1999.tb00229.x
Ye, Xuan, et al. “Nerve fascicle transfer using a part of the C-7 nerve for spinal accessory nerve injury.” Journal of neurosurgery. Spine vol. 28,5 (2018): 555-561. doi:10.3171/2017.8.SPINE17582
The sciatic nerve is the longest in the body and is the central nerve in the leg. A critical nerve that comes off the spine runs through the pelvis, into the buttocks, down the back of each thigh, and finally into the feet. It is a mixed nerve meaning it is made up of both motor/movement) and sensory/sensation fibers. The nerves merge with the spinal nerve roots before they enter the spinal cord, where the sensory information travels to and from the brain. If the nerve is inflamed, compressed, twisted, damaged, or injured, this can negatively affect the muscles’ function, leading to chronic pain conditions. Injury Medical Function Restoration Chiropractors will do precisely that for the sciatic nerve and the rest of the body.
Nerve Roots and Branches
Different nerve roots make up the sciatic nerve, with two starting in the lower back and three at the bottom of the spine or sacrum. At the knees, the nerve splits into two branches:
The peroneal nerve runs from the knee’s outer part to the foot’s outer part and splits into two main branches below the knee.
The tibial nerve goes down the back of the calf, extending to the heel and sole.
There are smaller branches at the:
Hips
Inner thighs
Calves
Feet
Sciatic Nerve Function
The sciatic nerve’s purpose serves motor functions by assisting the muscles in the legs and feet to move, walk, run, and stand. And for the sensory function of feeling sensations in the legs and feet includes pain, numbness, burning, and electrical sensations.
Motor Functions
The nerve provides motor functions that power movement to the muscles that move the thighs, legs, and feet. Essential motor functions:
Motor function signs of sciatic nerve problems include difficulty or inability to walk, bend the leg, and/or stand on tiptoe or the heel.
Sensory Functions
The nerve provides sensation to the different areas; when the nerve is injured, the corresponding area may feel unique/abnormal sensations with differing degrees of numbness, pins-and-needles, and pain. Commonly affected areas include:
Front, back, and outside the thigh.
Front, back, and outside the lower leg.
The top and outer side of the foot.
Bottom of the foot.
Between the toes.
Like motor function disruption, sensory impairment is determined by where the problems are occurring.
Function Restoration Chiropractor
Affected, reduced, and inhibited motor and sensory functions can lead to muscle weakness, chronic pain, and permanent nerve damage. Function restoration chiropractor and physical therapeutic massage can help manage nerve compression and irritation. Spinal manipulations restore misaligned vertebral discs taking the pressure off the nerve relieving the pain, and regaining nerve signal flow and mobility. Chiropractic will induce deep muscle relaxation to stop muscle spasms, release tension, soothe the nerve, release endorphins, and restore sciatic nerve function.
Spinal Decompression
References
Bouche, P. “Compression and entrapment neuropathies.” Handbook of clinical neurology vol. 115 (2013): 311-66. doi:10.1016/B978-0-444-52902-2.00019-9
Cook, Chad E et al. “Risk factors for first-time incidence sciatica: a systematic review.” Physiotherapy research international: the journal for researchers and clinicians in physical therapy vol. 19,2 (2014): 65-78. doi:10.1002/pri.1572
Giuffre BA, Jeanmonod R. Anatomy, Sciatic Nerve. [Updated 2021 Jul 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482431/
IFM's Find A Practitioner tool is the largest referral network in Functional Medicine, created to help patients locate Functional Medicine practitioners anywhere in the world. IFM Certified Practitioners are listed first in the search results, given their extensive education in Functional Medicine
