Natural health: 'Pins and needles'
I have trouble with my hands and feet going numb and tingling.
It isn’t painful or anything, and it doesn’t seem to be related to the weather, but it does seem to happen after a relatively short time staying in the same position and can also spread up to my arms and legs.
Is there any deficiency that might be causing this, or is it just a sign of aging? I am 54 years old, so still have plenty of life left in me!
It is reasonably common to experience that sensation of ‘pins and needles’ or feel that part of your body has fallen asleep after a period of temporary nerve compression.
In most cases it is nothing to worry about, however, if it comes on suddenly and lasts for half an hour or more, then you should seek medical help.
This also applies if you feel extremely weak or one-sided following an episode, which could indicate a stroke.
Emergency situations aside, the symptoms you describe sound as if there is probably some mild inflammation causing more compression than usual to the nerves.
If you also experience persistent back pain, no matter how mild, then this could be impacting on the nerves leading from the spinal cord out to the arms and legs.
If you do think that back or neck pain might be an underlying issue, consult an osteopath or chiropractor to check the alignment of your spine.
Nerves are grouped in bundles and wrapped in a protective fatty layer known as the myelin sheath.
Anybody having trouble with unrelenting symptoms of numbness, tingling sensation, and pain will often have some form of damage to the myelin layer or even the nerves themselves.
* Carpal Tunnel syndrome causes numbness and pain in the hands and wrists due to the median nerve being compressed or inflamed;
* Shingles can trigger a jabbing sensation along the nerves in the torso;
* Herniated and bulging discs in the spine are typically indicated where the thigh and legs are affected as a result of compression and inflammation related to the sciatic nerve;
* Diabetic neuropathy primarily impacts the feet;
Multiple Sclerosis is where the myelin sheath is gradually destroyed.
You are on the right track asking about deficiencies, since nerve health is very much linked with the B vitamins.
Vitamin B6 is particularly indicated where diabetic neuropathy or carpal tunnel is the issue, but the B vitamins work best when taken together as a complex.
Vitamin B12 is important — you will want to look for methylcobalamin since it is far more effective than most other forms of B12.
Folate and B12 work well together, so ensure you are also getting around 400mcg daily.
Your B-Complex should ideally contain at least 150mcg of B12, 150mcg of biotin (B7), and around 50mg of the remaining B vitamins, and at these dosages it is recommended to take 2 capsules or tablets daily.
Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) play a crucial role in the communication between nerve cells and brain cells, maintaining the myelin sheath layer, and managing inflammation.
Evening Primrose oil (EPO) and borage (starflower) oil in particular have been shown to perform well where diabetic neuropathy is the root cause of nerve issues, and flaxseed oil contains highly beneficial EFAs.
If you choose EPO or borage oil, you will need to take 1,000mg, three times daily; for flaxseed, take 15-20ml twice daily with food.
Of course, you should also exercise regularly to maintain healthy blood flow to the extremities and support nerve function, as well as avoiding sitting or standing for long periods of time.
Make sure that you take plenty of breaks if your job requires long stretches of sitting or standing, and speaking of stretches — stretch and flex your arms and legs, fingers and toes when you are in situations likely to trigger numbness and tingling.
Email it to feelgood@examiner.ie or send a letter to:
Feelgood, Irish Examiner, Linn Dubh, Assumption Road, Blackpool, Cork
The information contained in this column is not a subsitute for medical advice. Always consult a doctor.
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