The foundation of healthy sensation lies in efficient nerve signal transmission. In optimal conditions, sensory nerves transmit electrical impulses at speeds up to 120 meters per second from your extremities to your brain. However, when spinal misalignments, disc herniations, or soft tissue inflammation compress these nerve pathways, signal speed and quality decrease significantly.
This nerve compression creates a cascade of sensory disruption, resulting in the tingling, numbness, and weakness characteristic of paresthesia. When vertebral subluxations narrow the foraminal openings where nerves exit the spine, the nerve's protective myelin sheath can become irritated, reducing its ability to transmit clear signals to your hands and feet.
Your peripheral nervous system depends on a complex network of blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to nerve fibers. When surrounding tissues become inflamed or misaligned structures reduce blood flow, nerves are deprived of the nourishment they need, leading to the progressive sensory changes many patients experience over weeks or months.
