Hand Numbness: The Problem May Not Begin in Your Hand
Where you feel the symptom can be an important clue—but it doesn't always tell us where the problem begins.
The source of numbness, tingling, burning, or a “pins and needles” sensation in the hand isn't always where you feel the symptoms.
One may have symptoms consistent with median nerve compression at the wrist. Another may have symptoms associated with irritation of a cervical nerve root. The symptom sounds the same, but the underlying problem may not be.
The nerves that provide sensation to the hand travel from the neck through the shoulder and arm before reaching the wrist, hand, and fingers. Irritation or compression anywhere along this pathway may contribute to symptoms farther down the arm.
As part of his assessment, Gao considers patterns that may help explain where symptoms are originating and uses those findings to guide an individualized treatment approach.
The source of numbness, tingling, burning, or a “pins and needles” sensation in the hand isn't always where you feel the symptoms.
One may have symptoms consistent with median nerve compression at the wrist. Another may have symptoms associated with irritation of a cervical nerve root. The symptom sounds the same, but the underlying problem may not be.
The nerves that provide sensation to the hand travel from the neck through the shoulder and arm before reaching the wrist, hand, and fingers. Irritation or compression anywhere along this pathway may contribute to symptoms farther down the arm.
As part of his assessment, Gao considers patterns that may help explain where symptoms are originating and uses those findings to guide an individualized treatment approach.
What Can Cause Hand Numbness?
The Neck: Compressed or irritated nerve root in the cervical spine can produce symptoms that travel beyond the neck itself. Depending upon which nerve is affected, a person may experience pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness extending through the shoulder and arm and into particular areas of the hand or fingers.
The Wrist and Carpal Tunnel: Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel at the wrist. Typical symptoms can include numbness and tingling involving the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and part of the ring finger. Symptoms may be particularly noticeable at night or during activities involving the hands and wrists.
The Shoulder and Upper Arm: The nerves supplying the hand travel through the shoulder and upper-arm region. Problems involving the neck, shoulder region, muscles, soft tissues, or nerve pathways may therefore need to be considered when symptoms extend down the arm.
A history of shoulder injury, restricted movement, pain, or symptoms that change with arm or neck position can provide useful information during an evaluation.
The Neck: Compressed or irritated nerve root in the cervical spine can produce symptoms that travel beyond the neck itself. Depending upon which nerve is affected, a person may experience pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness extending through the shoulder and arm and into particular areas of the hand or fingers.
The Wrist and Carpal Tunnel: Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel at the wrist. Typical symptoms can include numbness and tingling involving the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and part of the ring finger. Symptoms may be particularly noticeable at night or during activities involving the hands and wrists.
The Shoulder and Upper Arm: The nerves supplying the hand travel through the shoulder and upper-arm region. Problems involving the neck, shoulder region, muscles, soft tissues, or nerve pathways may therefore need to be considered when symptoms extend down the arm.
A history of shoulder injury, restricted movement, pain, or symptoms that change with arm or neck position can provide useful information during an evaluation.
HOW WE HELP
Traditional Chinese Medicine does not begin with a one-size-fits-all treatment protocol. Zhen-Sheng Gao, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M., evaluates the location and character of the patient's symptoms as well as how those symptoms relate to the neck, shoulder, arm, wrist, and overall clinical presentation.
With more than 50 years of clinical practice, Gao has developed extensive experience recognizing patterns that can accompany pain, numbness, tingling, and other musculoskeletal complaints.
When acupuncture is appropriate, treatment is individualized according to the patient's presentation rather than simply placing needles where numbness is felt. Depending upon the individual case, treatment may involve acupuncture and other Traditional Chinese Medicine approaches.
Traditional Chinese Medicine does not begin with a one-size-fits-all treatment protocol. Zhen-Sheng Gao, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M., evaluates the location and character of the patient's symptoms as well as how those symptoms relate to the neck, shoulder, arm, wrist, and overall clinical presentation.
With more than 50 years of clinical practice, Gao has developed extensive experience recognizing patterns that can accompany pain, numbness, tingling, and other musculoskeletal complaints.
When acupuncture is appropriate, treatment is individualized according to the patient's presentation rather than simply placing needles where numbness is felt. Depending upon the individual case, treatment may involve acupuncture and other Traditional Chinese Medicine approaches.