What causes the Pins and Needles sensation?
Q: What is the cause of the ‘pins and needles’ feeling I get sometimes when I wake up in the morning?
A: This is a very commonly occurring symptom that many of us have experienced. It’s clinically known as Paresthesia (from the Greek ‘abnormal-sensation’). When this occurs on a transient basis, it’s typically nothing to be alarmed about. The cause of this sensation, that is often referred to as a [limb] falling asleep, occurs when there is a prolonged compression on a nerve when leaning or resting on this body part for a prolonged period of time. Some may experience this after sitting in a particular manner for too long where others may wake up from a nights rest after lying on a body part for too long. The symptoms typically subside within a few minutes of repositioning and moving the affected area. Think of this the same way you would envision water running through a hose that gets a sudden ‘kink’. When a compressive force inhibits the proper flow of axoplasm through a nerve, this can elicit a sensation of tingling, pins and needles or in more chronic case, pain. Once the ‘kink’ is removed, proper flow returns.
If the sensation occurs frequently in areas such as the arms and wrist, there may be some repetitive stress being placed on common entrapment sites that would warrant more evaluation. Common issues related to chronic nerve entrapment are carpal tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome and piriformis syndrome, to name a few. These types of conditions may be easily corrected with some soft tissue therapy along with some ergonomic adjustments, but some may require surgical interventions.
[divider]
Ask Drew!
Each month we will be selecting a question from one of our patients to explore in the following month’s newsletter. We know you have many questions about wellness related topics such as understanding injuries, managing stress, etc…and we want to offer you a platform to ask Drew a question directly that would also benefit other patients.
We look forward to receiving your questions!
(Comments and suggestions from Drew do not constitute a diagnosis. ‘Ask Drew’ is intended for informational purposes only.)
Ready to #feelbetter?
You're just a click away from a wicked good massage!
-
60 Minute Massage Gift Card
$170.00 Add to cart -
90 Minute Massage Gift Card
$255.00 Add to cart -
Mini Aer Small Room Air Purifier
$149.00 Add to cart -
Sale!
Thera-Pearl Sports Pack/Hot Cold
Original price was: $14.99.$12.99Current price is: $12.99. Add to cart -
3 Somadome Sessions Gift Card
$135.00 Add to cart -
Sale!
TheraBand® Stretch Strap
Original price was: $19.99.$14.99Current price is: $14.99. Add to cart -
20 Minute Somadome Gift Card
$45.00 Add to cart -
TheraBand CLX Connective Loop
$14.99 Select options
Energy Boosters
Energy Boosters Ways to Get You Through the Day No amount of coaxing, pleading, or pedal pumping could get the engine in the rental car to turn over. It was going nowhere. The travelers had filled the car with unleaded fuel, but it had a diesel engine. It had been able to run a little…
Read MoreWhat is Qi?
What is Qi? A fundamental concept of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) dating back over 3,000 years, qi (pronounced “chee”) is the Chinese word for energy, which also carries with it connotations of “air,” “breath,” and “life force.” In TCM, it is understood that everything from humans and animals to rocks and trees is filled with…
Read MoreWhy Buy Organic?
Why Buy Organic? Is the Higher Price Worth It? While shopping in your grocery store’s produce section, you may notice the organically grown apples are pocked and not as big and perfectly round as the conventional produce, but they are more expensive. What’s the difference, and which do you choose? Your decision may significantly impact…
Read MoreAre You Making the Most of Your Massage?
Are You Making the Most of Your Massage? How to Prolong the Benefits of Bodywork A massage works in wonderful ways, easing stress and pain, calming the nervous system, increasing circulation, loosening tight muscles, stimulating internal organs, and enhancing skin. The multiplicity of physiological responses sends a simple, clear message to the mind: Massage feels…
Read MoreThe Case for Chocolate
The Case for Chocolate New Studies Show Health Benefits It’s not like we need a specific reason to eat chocolate, but it doesn’t hurt that studies are finding increasing health benefits associated with the popular indulgence. While chocolate is high in sugar and saturated fat, it does contain chemical compounds with proven benefits, so enjoy–in…
Read MoreThe Wonders of Water
The Wonders of Water For Skin Health and More Shelley Burns, N.D. Creams, nutritional supplements, treatments, lotions, and potions. We are always looking for the next miracle product to keep skin looking healthy and young. However, there is one essential, inexpensive, and often overlooked nutrient right at your fingertips:water. Just as a car cannot function…
Read MoreInvest In Your Health
Invest in Your Health Massage Offers Excellent Return onInvestment “Invest for the long term” is great financial advice, but it’s also great healthcare advice. Never is investing for the long term more important than when you are making day-to-day decisions about your health. There are short-term gains from taking care of your health, to be…
Read MoreLife Hack: Iced Cubes
Life Hack: Coffee Cubes (Redux) As usual in New England, we have gone from Winter to Summer, with Spring being an absentee season (again). Since it feels like Summer is already here, I thought it best to give you a Life Hack that is an oldy, but a goody! Iced Coffee…..CUBES! #mindblown Yes. I have offered this…
Read MoreMake a Great Save to Avoid Back Pain
Make a Great Save to Avoid Back Pain 7- Stretches in 7-Minutes I was speaking the other day with one of our therapists and we were discussing our role in helping our patients. I was explaining that a comment I often tell new patients is; “These are hands, not magic wands”. Patients often seek out…
Read MoreTime for Sleep
Time for Sleep As a nation, we may be divided, but there is one common bond that unites us all around the world; sleep. We all need sleep in order to be capable of performing every day tasks. Sleep is an imperative part of the human experience. Without a good night’s sleep, our bodies will slowly…
Read More