{
  "id": 5620349,
  "title": "When to worry about numbness and tingling: Expert explains neuropathy, other causes",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/when-to-worry-about-numbness-and-tingling-expert-explains-neuropathy",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-09-04T18:40:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Medical Xpress",
    "slug": "medical-xpress",
    "url": "https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-09-numbness-tingling-expert-neuropathy.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Numbness and tingling sensations can occasionally occur in people due to prolonged positions like sitting or sleeping, causing pressure on nerves. However, these symptoms may also indicate an underlying medical condition called neuropathy, where the nerve's normal functioning is impaired. Dr. Megan Everson, a neurosurgeon and spine expert at Mayo Clinic Health System, explains that nerve compression in various locations, such as the spinal canal or along its path through arms and legs, can also lead to numbness and tingling. Common causes include spinal stenosis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Numerous health issues, including diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, kidney disease, excessive alcohol consumption, exposure to certain toxins, and specific medications like chemotherapy drugs, can damage nerves, resulting in numbness and tingling. Stress and anxiety can induce these sensations by altering breathing patterns. Dr. Everson advises informing healthcare providers if numbness or tingling persists, worsens, disrupts daily activities, or coexists with pain, weakness, balance problems, or difficulty walking. While many causes of numbness and tingling are not emergencies, persistent symptoms necessitate evaluation to determine and treat any underlying conditions. Sudden numbness affecting one side of the face, arm, or leg, especially accompanied by weakness, may signal a stroke and requires immediate medical attention. Similarly, numbness in the groin or genital area, particularly when it coincides with bladder or bowel control issues, urination difficulties, or leg weakness, could indicate a spinal cord injury, necessitating prompt treatment. When further evaluation is needed, healthcare professionals may inquire about symptoms, their duration and triggers, and other associated symptoms. Physical examinations and nerve or muscle function assessments might be conducted. Additional tests, such as imaging studies (X-rays, ultrasound, MRI) and nerve studies (electromyography), could be recommended. Mild episodes related to body position may be resolved by changing positions, improving posture, or gently moving the affected limb. Persistent symptoms may benefit from physical therapy, medications for nerve pain, anti-inflammatory injections, or surgery in severe cases of nerve compression. Certain nerve problems, like those from spinal stenosis, may improve with treatment, while others, such as diabetic neuropathy, are often permanent, with treatment focusing on symptom management and preventing further nerve damage.",
  "summary": "Most people experience numbness or the familiar pins-and-needles sensation from time to time. Often, it is harmless and occurs temporarily, because you have been sitting, standing or sleeping in a position that puts pressure on a nerve. However, these symptoms can sometimes signal an underlying medical condition such as neuropathy, explains Megan Everson, M.D., a neurosurgeon and spine expert at…",
  "key_points": [
    "Numbness and tingling can result from prolonged positions or nerve compression.",
    "Common causes include spinal stenosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and diabetes.",
    "Persistent symptoms warrant evaluation by healthcare providers."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}