Numbness refers to a partial or complete loss of feeling or sensation in any part of your body. People often use the term not just for loss of sensation, but also for other unusual feelings, such as:
- a burning sensation
- pins and needles
- ants crawling (commonly described as “semut-semut” in Malaysia)
Although numbness can occur anywhere on your body, it most commonly affects your hands, fingers, feet, arms, or legs. This symptom usually points to a problem with the nerves and may be linked to various medical conditions.
What Causes Numbness?
Numbness happens when nerve signals are disrupted. This may occur due to:
- Direct nerve compression — e.g. tight muscles pressing on nerves, especially in the neck, shoulder, or lower back
- Slipped disc (herniated disc) — causing pressure on nerves exiting the spine
- Uncontrolled diabetes (diabetic neuropathy) — high blood sugar levels reduce blood flow and oxygen supply to nerves
- Stroke — nerve cells die from lack of oxygen, cutting off communication between the brain and body
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) — the body’s immune system damages nerve coverings
- Bell’s palsy — temporary facial paralysis or weakness due to nerve inflammation
❗ Paralysis, where you lose voluntary movement, can result if nerve damage is severe.
- Paraplegia — paralysis of both legs
- Quadriplegia — paralysis of both arms and both legs
What are the Types of Sensation Disturbance or Damage?
What Should You Do If You Experience Numbness?
👉 Seek medical attention immediately — especially if the numbness:
- comes on suddenly
- affects one side of your body
- is accompanied by weakness, difficulty speaking, or vision problems
(delayed treatment could lead to permanent nerve damage)
At Ropheka Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Centre, Seremban, our experienced team provides:
✅ Neurological assessments
✅ Personalised physiotherapy for nerve-related conditions
✅ Support for recovery from nerve injuries, stroke, or slipped disc
📞 Contact us today for an appointment or free consultation!
