The toughest month on your heart… and your nerves

February can be one of the hardest months on the body. The holiday excitement is over, winter is still lingering, and many people find themselves exercising less than usual. There is a reason February is recognized as American Heart Month, because this time of year can quietly place extra stress on circulation — and circulation plays a major role in nerve health.

Not long ago, a patient walked into our office and said, “Doc, every winter my feet feel colder and more numb. I figured it was just age catching up with me.” To which I then told him, “Sometimes it is not age… sometimes it is circulation or nerve irritation asking for attention.”

Neuropathy is a condition that affects nerves, most commonly in the feet and hands. It can cause numbness, tingling, burning, pain, weakness, or balance problems. Many patients describe it as feeling like they are walking on pillows, stepping on ice cubes, or wearing socks they cannot take off — which sounds cozy until you realize it can seriously affect balance and safety.

Your nerves rely heavily on blood flow to stay healthy. Blood delivers oxygen and nutrients that allow nerves to communicate with the brain and spinal cord. When circulation slows down, nerves can become irritated or damaged. I often explain it to patients like this: nerves are like electrical wiring, and blood flow is the power supply. When the power weakens, signals begin to flicker.

It is also important to understand that neuropathy symptoms do not always originate in the feet themselves. Sometimes nerve irritation can begin in the lower back, where nerves exit the spine and travel down into the legs and feet. Conditions such as disc problems, spinal narrowing, or joint irritation can affect these nerve pathways and contribute to symptoms that feel like neuropathy. Often, it can be a combination of spinal nerve involvement and circulation changes working together.

Cold winter temperatures can make circulation worse. When the body gets cold, blood vessels naturally tighten to conserve heat. Unfortunately, that protective response can reduce circulation to the hands and feet, which is why many people notice symptoms worsening this time of year.

One patient recently joked, “Doc, my recliner and I have built a very committed winter relationship.” I told him, “That relationship is great for watching football… but your nerves prefer an active social life.”
Movement and exercise is extremely important because muscles act like pumps that help circulate blood through the body. Less movement often means less circulation and less nerve stimulation.

Here is something many people do not realize: balance is actually one of the earliest warning signs of nerve problems. Long before severe pain begins, nerves that help your brain sense where your feet are in space can quietly weaken. That is why early evaluation is so important.

The good news is that improving circulation, stimulating nerves, and addressing spinal nerve irritation can often help slow or improve neuropathy symptoms. February may challenge circulation, but it can also be the perfect time to take control of your nerve health and prepare your body for a safer, stronger, and more active spring.

If you are experiencing burning, tingling, numbness, or balance problems, it may be more than just discomfort — it may be your feet trying to tell you something. Our bodies are incredibly smart and often whisper before they shout. Listening to those whispers and acting early can help protect your nerves, your balance, and your ability to stay active and independent for years to come.

Dr. Kenneth Horup, DC is a Chiropractic Physician at Discover Specific Chiropractic, Certified in Neuropathy.