CERVICAL SPINE AS A SOURCE OF TINGLING

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a major cause of hand discomfort but is not the only source of the problem. Often numbness, tingling and weakness are caused by disk problems in the neck.

SYMPTOMS - What does it feel like?
The pain, numbness or weakness you feel depends on which disk(s) are affected.
Here is a list of the most common Cervical disk symptoms.
Pain over the side of your neck.
Pain or tingling that radiates down the arm from the shoulder to the hand.
Numbness may be on the little finger side of the hand or the thumb side.
Often you get a stabbing type of pain in the shoulder blade area.
Leaning your head to the side or leaning your hear back increase the discomfort in the arm and increase the numbness in the hand.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Why does it happen?
There are many causes for disk problems. Poor posture over a long period of time and arthritis often contribute to disk problems.
Injuries, such as whiplash from auto accidents, create a disk injury.

Will it get worse and can I wait too long to get help?
Yes, it can progress to include pain, numbness and weakness in the arm and hand. The muscles become smaller (atrophy) and muscle strength can be affected. The pain can become severe.

How do I get it checked? What tests do I need?
If your pain, numbness or weakness comes suddenly or with with an acccident or injury, seek help right away at an emergency facility or call 911.
It's a good idea to see a person who understands the details of nerve and muscle problems. Good sources for help include Orthopedic Surgeons, Neurosurgeons and Physical Therapists who specialize in nerve problems and Physical Therapists who treat spine problems.
Many times it's necessary to have tests to determine the source of your problem. The tests fall into two main types - imaging and physiologic. Imaging may be in the form of X-Rays, CT Scans, MRI. Imaging studies show problems with structure and show other things such as tumors.. We recommend that you have physiologic testing, electromyography and nerve conduction studies to help be sure where the problem is and how it has affected the the way your nerves are working.

Can other nerve problems feel the same?
Yes, all nerves in the arm and hand start at the neck. That's why problems in the neck (called the nerve roots) can act like the nerves further down the arm and hand.
That's why it's important that you are checked by knowledgeable health care providers.

What can I do to help?
That depends on what's causing the problem. Sometimes you can be given a program to follow at home. Sometimes you will need more help as in therapy and sometimes you will need your doctor's skills.

If you have any concern or questions about Stroke or Heart Attack as a source of arm and hand pain, you may want to call your 911.

To read more about heart and stroke related hand and arm discomfort, please click here for helpful links.