You can feel numbness when you sit too long in an awkward position, but you can usually walk it off and regain feeling after a few moments. Other types of numbness, such as feeling part of your face suddenly becoming numb could be a medical emergency as it's typically a sign of an oncoming stroke. But there are other situations that, although not emergencies, still warrant concern. If you are experiencing numbness it can be a sign of an underlying problem, some of them are covered below but if you'd like to learn more you can reach out directly to Rehabilitation Physicians in Novi, Livonia, and Howell, MI.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
A common symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome is a feeling of numbness in your hands and fingers, with these becoming more pronounced overnight.
The condition is caused by frequent movements over time, it can affect those who often work with keyboards or perform other types of repetitive tasks with their hands. Health conditions that affect your bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons can also increase your risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
Surgery may be recommended only if your condition is severe or if conservative treatments don't have the desired results. But your rehab doctor has many tools at their disposal to address your symptoms that do not require going under the knife. Physical therapy and exercises can help you stretch and strengthen your hands, along with splinting, medication, and localized carpal tunnel injections can help to minimize the discomfort.
Herniated Disc
In between the vertebrae along your spine are discs that provide a cushion and enhance the spine's ability to rotate. These discs can become herniated when the inner gel-like part of the disc protrudes past its tough outer layer. There are different reasons why this can happen, though the degeneration of spinal discs is typically related to age.
A herniated disc, because of the limited space within the spinal canal, can put pressure on a spinal nerve and this can result in pain and numbness that's felt down your leg and back, in some cases the pain can be severe.
For most who suffer from a herniated disc surgery is usually not necessary to correct the issue, but it's important to visit your rehab doctor to examine your condition closely and determine the best course of action. They can provide you with a variety of non-surgical treatments aimed at reducing, managing, or eliminating pain.
Treatment for Numbness in Novi, Livonia, and Howell, MI
For help treating any signs of numbness and the underlying cause, you can schedule a visit in Novi, Livonia, and Howell, MI, with your local experts of Rehabilitation Physicians by dialing (248) 893-3200.