Most people occasionally experience numbness or tingling, which is usually not a cause for concern. These symptoms occur temporarily when a person sits, stands, or sleeps in a position that puts pressure on a nerve.
However, according to Dr. Megan Everson, a neurosurgeon and spine specialist at Mayo Clinic, these symptoms may indicate a more serious medical condition, such as neuropathy. The specialist explains that symptoms may occur when a nerve is damaged, compressed, or irritated.
According to Dr. Everson, the nerve itself may not be functioning properly, which characterizes the condition called neuropathy. In other cases, pressure on a nerve, such as in the spine or some other point in the body, may be the cause of the symptoms.
