Many patients wonder why the face goes numb, what causes this unpleasant sensation, and what can be done to get rid of this symptom. It’s worth immediately dispelling all intrigues - no other processes other than disruption of innervation can cause this sensation. Numbness is the lack of normal conduction of nerve impulses along certain axon bundles. The wider the zone of insensibility, the closer to the spinal cord the source of compression or nerve damage is located.
The face often goes numb with cervical osteochondrosis of the spinal column. This degenerative disease leads to complete or partial destruction of the cartilage tissue of the intervertebral discs. As a result of the decrease in disc height, pressure begins to be exerted on the radicular nerves extending from the spinal cord. If the posterior pairs are damaged, a feeling of numbness in the face, scalp, tongue, lips, and ears may occur. When the posterior root nerve is damaged on the left side, numbness occurs in the left half of the head and face. And in the same way - on the right side.
Reasons why part or half of the face goes numb
The reasons why part of the face goes numb are listed above. These are the consequences of long-term developing osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. If only one posterior root nerve is damaged, then a sensitivity disorder occurs and half of the face and scalp go numb. Accordingly, the ho on this side is captured.
But another localization of the process of compression of the facial nerve is also possible. In this case, the reasons why the face goes numb may be hidden behind the following factors:
- tissue deformation in the area of the maxillary canal;
- osteoarthritis of the jaw joint;
- incorrect position of the lower jaw in the absence of a number of teeth, changes in the bite;
- changes in posture in the cervical spine;
- inflammation of the submandibular and lymph nodes located behind the ears;
- inflammation and degeneration of the facial or trigeminal nerve.
If part of the face becomes numb, an urgent consultation with a neurologist is necessary. Do not forget that such a symptom may manifest itself as an acute or transient disorder of cerebral circulation. This condition is fraught with paralysis and permanent disability. Therefore, if you have even the slightest suspicion of a stroke, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Note! With long-term developing cervical osteochondrosis, the patient may develop vertebral artery syndrome. This condition provokes cerebrovascular accident and the onset of spinal stroke.
Therefore, if you have pain in the neck, accompanied by a feeling of numbness in half or part of the face, you should immediately consult a doctor. This can be done at our manual therapy clinic. We see a neurologist, a doctor of the highest category, Doctor of Medical Sciences. The initial consultation is provided to each patient completely free of charge. You can make an appointment at any convenient time. All you need to do is call us at the number provided.
Cervical osteochondrosis
SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine: symptoms of the disease
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine will depend on the degree of the disease and the location of the lesion.
However, there are basic signs. These are dizziness, pain, unstable blood pressure, fainting, nausea. The main symptom of cervical osteochondrosis of the spine is pain. In the initial stages of the disease, the pain will be intermittent. In the future, it will become chronic. Pain appears in the shoulders, back of the head and neck. In addition, the pain intensifies when bending and turning the head. If the patient has similar symptoms, then there may be sensations such as weakness of the left little finger, tingling in the heart area when raising the arms or turning the neck.
Shooting is another symptom of cervical osteochondrosis of the spine. Cervical lumbago is a pronounced pain syndrome. There is a general numbness and hardening of the neck muscles.
Crunching when turning the head, extraneous sounds. With cervical osteochondrosis, if you turn your head sharply, noise may occur. The noise may also appear after a prolonged uncomfortable position and throwing the head back. These symptoms also refer to the occurrence of cervical osteochondrosis.
Blood pressure surges. A symptom of cervical osteochondrosis may be unstable blood pressure. Pressure occurs due to impaired blood supply to the brain.
Periodic dizziness. A fairly common symptom of cervical osteochondrosis. The cause of dizziness is insufficient oxygen supply to the inner ear. It is the canals of the inner ear that are responsible for balance. Dizziness can occur due to sudden rise or immediately after sleep.
Violation of the vegetative-vascular system. This may include nausea, dizziness, and vomiting.
Impaired sensitivity. With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, in the localization of the disease, disturbances in the trophism of the skin may occur. These include: cold, burning, pallor, goosebumps, tingling.
Various neuralgic disorders. Against the background of cervical osteochondrosis, the patient experiences impaired memory, concentration, and sleep. Unreasonable anxiety and instability of emotions appear.
A symptom of neck osteochondrosis can be a pharyngeal symptom. This is a sore throat and there is a feeling that there is a foreign body in the throat. Itching, difficulty swallowing, and dryness appear.
One of the main symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis is visual impairment. These include: impaired focusing of objects, loss of visual acuity, the appearance of dots and “spots” in front of the eyes.
At the Volzhskaya Zdravnitsa medical center you will undergo effective treatment for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine and receive the necessary consultations from specialist doctors.
Each patient of the center receives exactly those physiotherapy procedures that contribute to the rapid healing of the body. You will undergo a course of treatment for cervical osteochondrosis at any time convenient for you. The medical center offers outpatient and sanatorium-resort treatment for cervical osteochondrosis. During the course of treatment, after the procedures you will be provided with a relaxation room for several hours, where you can relax and unwind. The lounge is provided FREE OF CHARGE.
How to treat cervical osteochondrosis
First of all, when treating cervical osteochondrosis, it is necessary to eliminate neurological and vascular complications. Various methods are used to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. These are physiotherapeutic procedures, massage, therapeutic exercises, drug treatment, manual therapy, proper nutrition. It is the combination of all methods that will achieve positive results.
Medicines used in the treatment of neck osteochondrosis should be used only during periods of exacerbation. Drug treatment can reduce symptoms, eliminate pain, relax muscles and improve metabolism.
Physiotherapeutic procedures help speed up the healing process and prolong the period of remission. Thanks to physiotherapy, an analgesic effect is achieved, metabolism is improved and blood flow in the affected tissues is normalized. Various procedures improve blood circulation and reduce muscle tone.
Thanks to physiotherapeutic treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, you will strengthen your immune system, reduce the need for expensive medications and shorten the treatment time.
Remember that you cannot self-medicate and prescribe physical procedures for yourself. Any intervention without a diagnosis and prescription from a specialist can only worsen the patient’s condition. You can always contact the Volzhskaya Zdravnitsa medical center and receive the necessary treatment for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
Massage in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis normalizes muscle tone, eliminates back pain, and restores nerve conduction.
Properly performed massage is one of the most effective ways to treat cervical osteochondrosis. Massage sessions are safe for the body, do not cause injury and can successfully replace drug treatment.
Therapeutic massage for cervical osteochondrosis is done for any degree of the disease. But therapeutic massage should be performed by a specialist. Otherwise, you can provoke the disease and increase the pain.
Therapeutic physical exercise (PT) restores spinal mobility, reduces pain, strengthens the muscle frame, and accelerates metabolism.
A correctly selected set of exercises for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, performed regularly and at the frequency recommended by the doctor, can become a serious help in the fight against the disease.
Why do my face and ears, lips and tongue go numb?
A situation where the face and lips go numb can be associated not only with cerebral circulation disorders. The face and tongue often go numb with the development of cervical osteochondrosis. But you need to understand that such a symptom may indicate a serious pathology in the intervertebral disc area. This may be an intervertebral hernia or severe protrusion.
A fairly serious pathology is manifested by numbness of the ears and face, and this may be a signal that the posterior structures of the brain are suffering from a total deficiency of arterial blood. And this is associated with vertebral artery syndrome.
In any case, the patient requires immediate medical attention. It is important to eliminate the cause of impaired blood flow to the posterior cerebral structures or compression of the radicular nerve as quickly as possible. This can be done using manual therapy methods. Osteopathy and traction traction of the column make it possible to quickly and safely relieve pinching of the radicular nerve responsible for the innervation of the facial zone. Manual therapy and massage can restore impaired cerebral circulation and prevent the risk of developing a spinal stroke. But in order for this to happen, you need to seek medical help immediately.
Numbness of the face
Stroke
Diabetes
34375 March 16
IMPORTANT!
The information in this section cannot be used for self-diagnosis and self-treatment.
In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, diagnostic tests should be prescribed only by the attending physician. To make a diagnosis and properly prescribe treatment, you should contact your doctor. Numbness of the face: causes of occurrence, what diseases it occurs with, diagnosis and treatment methods.
Definition
Numbness of the face occurs when the sensitivity of skin and muscle receptors to various impulses is impaired. This symptom may develop gradually or appear suddenly. Loss of facial sensitivity is described as burning, tingling, sometimes pain, and in some cases as a complete absence of sensation. When the face is numb, the color of the skin over the affected area may change in the form of pallor or redness.
In severe cases, sensory impairment is accompanied by a decrease in the motor function of the facial muscles.
Types of facial numbness
Any external influence, be it heat or cold, light touch or strong pressure, leads to activation of skin receptors and muscle structures. Each receptor is associated with a specific type of nerve fiber that transmits a specific type of sensitivity (sensation of pressure on the skin, vibration, stretching of the skin, and temperature sensitivity). An impulse is generated in the receptor, which is sent through nerve fibers at high speed to the nerve ganglia, which are a collection of sensory neurons. This is where primary information processing occurs to activate vital reflexes. Subsequently, the impulse goes to the brain, where it is processed in special nerve centers, and the person feels pain, pressure, vibration, etc. Thus, we can talk about the following types of sensitivity disorders:
- Violation of surface sensitivity
occurs when receptors (temperature, tactile, pain, etc.) and nerve fibers of the facial skin are damaged. - Violation of deep sensitivity
occurs when the receptors and nerve fibers of the facial muscles are damaged. - Violation of complex types of sensitivity
. A similar type of disorder occurs when the cerebral cortex is damaged. There is no recognition of two different stimuli that simultaneously affect the skin, or the person cannot determine the location of the touch.
Possible causes of facial numbness
In many cases, numbness in different parts of the face is short-term, passing within a few minutes.
Such episodes can occur when the head is positioned in an awkward position, for example during sleep.
This occurs due to compression of the nerve fibers and a temporary disruption of impulse conduction. There is a burning and tingling sensation in the affected area. Partial loss of sensitivity is observed with prolonged exposure to the cold due to vasospasm. After gradual warming of the skin, sensitivity is restored.
However, facial numbness can be a symptom of a serious medical condition.
Acute cerebrovascular accident, or stroke
– a common cause of sudden numbness of the face in combination with a violation of facial activity. Hemorrhage or blockage of brain vessels by a thrombus (blood clot) occurs, acute oxygen deficiency and damage to neurons with disruption of their functions develops. Symptoms develop unexpectedly, sometimes accompanied by headache.
The main signs of a stroke are: numbness of the face and limbs on one or both sides, sudden weakness, speech impairment (inability to clearly pronounce words), drooping of the corner / corners of the mouth, uncoordination of movements.
If these symptoms appear, you should immediately seek medical help. A cerebral aneurysm
can cause numbness in the face due to compression of nerve fibers and sensitive centers of the brain. It usually develops gradually; at the onset of the disease, symptoms may be completely absent. Numbness first affects one area of the face (for example, perioral), and with further growth of the aneurysm, the affected area gradually expands. Sensations may also change: from tingling, burning at first - to a complete absence of sensations later.
There is a danger of rupture of a cerebral aneurysm; in this case, the symptoms are similar to those of a stroke and appear quickly.
Trigeminal neuritis
often accompanies inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity (caries, periodontitis), ear (otitis), paranasal sinuses (sinusitis, frontal sinusitis, ethmoiditis), parotid glands (mumps). The branches of the trigeminal nerve are irritated, which can lead to numbness in the corresponding areas of the face.
Impaired sensitivity with increased tone of the masticatory muscles
occurs due to compression of the branches of the trigeminal nerve by muscle fibers. Hypertonicity of the masticatory muscles is characteristic of damage to the temporomandibular joint due to arthritis and arthrosis, incorrectly selected braces, and certain diseases of the pharynx, for example, peritonsillar abscess.
Diabetes
– with this disease, the process of utilization of glucose from the blood is disrupted, which leads to damage to the vascular wall and disruption of the nutrition of nerve bundles. In the absence of maintenance therapy, tingling and partial loss of sensitivity in areas where the blood supply is impaired may occur.
Numbness of the face in multiple sclerosis
occurs due to demyelination (disappearance of the outer sheath) of the nerve fibers of the trigeminal nerve. Numbness is often preceded by severe pain not only in the face, but also in the limbs.
Tumors of the brain and its membranes
lead to impaired sensitivity in the facial area due to compression of the neurovascular bundles or tumor growth in them.
Which doctors should I contact if I have facial numbness?
If your face becomes numb, you should consult a neurologist or therapist. In some cases, consultation with an otolaryngologist, endocrinologist, or dentist may be required.
Diagnosis and examinations for facial numbness
Depending on the suspected cause of facial numbness, the following laboratory and instrumental studies may be required:
- clinical blood test;
Why does my head hurt and feel dizzy and my face goes numb?
The reasons for the numbness of the face and head (its hairy part) may be hidden in the cervical spine or in the structures of the brain. You can distinguish the first from the second by a number of indirect signs:
- if the face becomes numb and dizzy, then this is most likely vertebral artery syndrome with insufficient blood supply to the posterior cerebral structures;
- if your head hurts and your face goes numb, then this may be a symptom of an essential form of migraine attack and this has nothing to do with cervical osteochondrosis, although it can also be quickly treated using manual therapy methods;
- if the head and face go numb due to severe muscle strain in the neck, then you can safely make a diagnosis of osteochondrosis and begin appropriate treatment.
But only an examination by a specialist will help make a more detailed diagnosis. When palpating the spinous processes, the doctor will be able not only to detect characteristic signs of destruction of the intervertebral discs, but also to relieve muscle spasms that cause pain.
If you want to know why your head and face are numb, make an appointment with a doctor at our chiropractic clinic. Do not self-diagnose or treat. This way you lose the time needed to quickly begin treatment for the disease at an early stage.
How to deal with facial numbness syndrome due to osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the neck leads to irreversible changes in the vertebrae, which directly affect the general well-being of the patient and may manifest themselves in the form of symptoms that are similar to other pathologies. If discomfort occurs in the upper spine, or disruption of the normal movement of blood and lymph in the tissues of the head and face, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive examination.
Why does the face go numb with osteochondrosis?
Unpleasant sensations, pain in the back and neck may indicate the development of osteochondrosis, which is formed due to the load on the vertebrae when the spine is in an uncomfortable, static-vertical position for a long time.
If there is damage to the vertebrae, cartilage and ligaments in the cervical region, then disturbances in the sensitivity of the skin of the face may occur, the normal mechanism of blood circulation may change, resulting in increased swelling. These symptoms appear due to changes that occur in bone cells during the development of the disease. Osteochondrosis is characterized by a decrease in the normal thickness of cartilage tissue, which leads to contact and friction of adjacent vertebrae. This can subsequently cause the development of inflammation, pinching of blood vessels, spinal cord nerves, and arteries.
These changes in the circulatory and nervous system of the body affect not only the normal functioning of the spine, but also respond with a burning sensation, numbness of the facial muscles, changes in tissue structure, and symmetry.
Diagnostic examination for osteochondrosis
The dangerous fact is that numbness and a burning sensation in the facial muscles can symbolize the spread of other diseases, for example, the brain, so if unpleasant symptoms occur, it is necessary to conduct a neurological examination.
Headaches and migraines, impaired facial symmetry, numbness, burning, tingling sensation, decreased muscle mobility can be manifestations of impaired blood flow in the brain, the development of tumor growths under the cranial bone, hemorrhage, and stroke. The difference is that in the presence of these symptoms of osteochondrosis, unpleasant manifestations on the face can go away when performing physical activity or, on the contrary, occur when staying in a certain body position for a long time. Also, with diseases of the spine, there is no disruption of mental functions or changes in mental activity, the patient maintains concentration, attention and clarity of thought.
Unfortunately, diagnosing and treating numbness of the facial muscles at home can lead to the progression of the disease. Therefore, it is especially important to conduct an X-ray and tomographic examination of the brain and spinal cord. This will reduce the likelihood of an incorrect diagnosis and help avoid many problems and complications by starting treatment on time.
Treatment of numbness of the facial muscles with osteochondrosis
The fight against the negative consequences of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is carried out by a neurologist or vertebrologist, who are specialists in the field of diseases associated with the nervous system. As a rule, medications are prescribed after a comprehensive diagnosis, taking into account the individual characteristics of the course of the disease.
To combat disorders in muscle tissue and nerve endings on the face, it is first necessary to begin treatment for osteochondrosis:
- With the help of medications that reduce inflammation in the vertebrae and nearby tissues;
- Rubbing with ointments and creams that reduce pain;
- Medicines that restore the cartilage layer and strengthen joints.
An effective remedy is also a back and neck massage, which improves blood circulation and lymph flow to the brain, saturating and nourishing muscle cells on the face.
Author: K.M.N., Academician of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences M.A. Bobyr
Muscles or skin on the face go numb – how do you know?
Numbness of muscle groups and the feeling of tingling on the upper layer of the epidermis are completely different conditions. And you need to be able to distinguish and diagnose them. If the facial muscles become numb, then when you try to smile or express any other emotion, nothing comes out. Moreover, a serious distortion appears - paresis is visible only on one side. This is a serious pathology associated with a violation of deep innervation. May be a consequence of nerve fiber necrosis due to facial or trigeminal neuritis.
If an attempt to smile is successful, this indicates that the skin on the face is numb, and this is due to damage to the surfaces of the nerve endings located in the middle layer of the epidermis. This may be facilitated by exposure to unfavorable environmental factors.
Self-diagnosis is rarely correct. There is only one reliable way to find out whether the skin or muscles on the face are numb. This is a visit to the doctor. Only a doctor can adequately assess the patient’s condition, conduct a full examination and make an accurate diagnosis.
If the face and neck become numb due to cervical osteochondrosis
Complaints that the face and neck are numb often come from patients suffering from degeneration of the annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc. The cause of this pathology can be prolonged static tension in the muscles of the shoulder girdle and collar area. It appears in people engaged in mental sedentary work.
This is a very unfavorable sign. Therefore, if the face becomes numb due to osteochondrosis, it is recommended to take at least an x-ray to identify destruction of the intervertebral disc and exclude hernial protrusion of the nucleus pulposus. If a hernia does form, treatment should be started immediately. If this is not done in a timely manner, a problem may arise with the innervation of the cardiovascular system.
With cervical osteochondrosis, the face becomes numb only in one case - if there is compression of the radicular nerve. This condition occurs when there is severe protrusion of the annulus fibrosus. Even if there is no hernia yet, it may appear in the very near future. Therefore, it is necessary to begin adequate and effective treatment as soon as possible.
Treatment for a feeling of numbness in the face
If the face is numb, treatment for such a sensation may consist of symptomatic and etiological effects. In the first case, various pharmacological drugs are used to improve the conduction of nerve impulses. Complex vitamin preparations are prescribed that restore trophism and the condition of the neural structure of axons. Symptomatic treatment alleviates the patient’s condition, but, unfortunately, leads to the fact that all the symptoms soon return again.
Etiological treatment is aimed at eliminating the cause of the numbness of the face, and this leads to complete recovery. In most cases, after a course of manual therapy, patients completely get rid of the feeling that the face and scalp are numb.
Our manual therapy clinic uses only safe and effective methods without the use of pharmacological drugs. First, the doctor finds the potential cause of the numbness. Then he develops an individual course to eliminate this factor. Thus, for cervical osteochondrosis, a course is carried out that restores the normal structure of the intervertebral disc. This could be osteopathy, massage, kinesitherapy, reflexology, therapeutic exercises, etc.
If you are interested in therapy, schedule a free consultation and find out all the information you need. During the initial appointment, the doctor will give you the correct diagnosis and tell you about all the prospects for future treatment.
Numbness of lips and tongue with cervical osteochondrosis
Numbness of the tongue with osteochondrosis is a rare symptom, more common when the upper vertebrae are affected. It is worth knowing that there is no cartilaginous disc between the atlas (the first cervical vertebra) and the base of the skull. And it is here that the greatest susceptibility to degenerative changes is observed. Osteophytes (bone growths) in the area of the first cervical vertebra often cause numbness of the lips, tongue and larynx.
Patients complain of changes in speech, the appearance of a lisp, and the inability to pronounce certain sounds and letters. In such situations, you should immediately contact an experienced neurologist. Our manual therapy clinic is attended by a neurologist, Candidate of Medical Sciences. And you have the opportunity to get his consultation completely free. All you need to do is make an appointment at a time convenient for you. Call us now. And we will help you cope with cervical osteochondrosis and the unpleasant symptoms that accompany it.
It is impossible to treat numbness of the lips with cervical osteochondrosis separately; complex therapy is required aimed at restoring the integrity of the damaged intervertebral disc.
For tongue numbness due to cervical osteochondrosis, we use the following manual therapy techniques:
- osteopathy, which allows you to quickly and safely eliminate compression of the radicular nerves, which helps relieve pain and numbness of soft tissues;
- massage of the collar area and neck muscles - helps relieve excess tension, relaxation and improve capillary blood supply;
- reflexology (acupuncture and pharmacopuncture) is aimed at starting the process of regeneration of damaged tissues due to the hidden internal reserves of the body;
- therapeutic exercises strengthen the muscles of the neck and collar area, stimulate normal blood flow, accelerate the process of restoration of the intervertebral disc;
- kinesitherapy is aimed at restoring the physiological structure of the cervical spine.
The course of treatment is always developed strictly individually. Therefore, if you want to learn about all the prospects and methods used, sign up for an initial consultation. During the examination, the doctor will make a diagnosis and tell you which manual therapy techniques will help quickly relieve all unpleasant symptoms (including numbness of the soft tissues of the head) and restore the physiological structure of the cervical spine.