Understanding Degenerative Disc Disease: Common Symptoms

4. Numbness and Tingling in the Extremities

Physicians describe numbness as an inability to feel something touching the skin, while tingling is a pins-and-needle sensation. Pressure on a nerve causes numbness and can cause a pins-and-needles sensation as well. Degenerative disc changes that affect the nerves in the neck exert pressure on the spinal cord and cause tingling, aching, or numbness in the arm or hand. A tingling sensation may indicate pressure on specific nerves, nerve inflammation, nerve irritation, or pinched nerves. People who have sciatica often report a tingling sensation in their legs as well.