Tingling hands and fingers – it seems so minor! And, maybe just a little annoying?
It might come on after using your smartphone a bit more liberally one week, or after spending more time at your keyboard than usual. Did your hand just fall asleep? And should you be concerned?
In general, an occasional tingling is nothing to be worried about. However, if that pins-and-needles sensation begins to become more frequent or even chronic, it’s worth getting it checked out.
There are several different possibilities that could point to tingling hands but the one unifying factor: it’s always best to get a professional diagnosis of what your sensation means. In this article, we’ll help outline the most common culprits for this familiar symptom in an effort to help guide you toward the best care to find real relief.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
One of the prime offenders for tingling in the hands stems from carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when there is pressure put on the median nerve, a nerve that runs through a passageway, aka the carpal tunnel, from your forearm, wrist, and finally to your hand. It’s responsible for giving sensation to your palm and all of your fingers with the exception of your pinky. It is also responsible for the motor function of your thumb.
When the passageway that the median nerve operates through, the carpal tunnel, becomes squeezed or irritated, it can lead to the tingling, numbness, and weakness that characterizes carpal tunnel syndrome. It’s annoying at its best, and debilitating at its worst. Essentially, it’s not something that you want to stick around.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is extremely common in people working desk jobs, on an assembly line, or who are in construction. This syndrome is one that comes on gradually and can then be difficult to shake, in good part because of the role that lifestyle plays in its onset. However, it should not be ignored! If you think you may have carpal tunnel syndrome, seek medical advice immediately. When left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to permanent nerve damage. However, with the right medical team behind you, this condition usually responds very well to conservative care with a mixture of anti-inflammatory techniques, rest, and appropriate rehabilitative movements. Incorporating some sort, of hand “stretch” breaks into your day, and applying some ice before bed can oftentimes go a long way in the recovery stages.
Herniated Disc
This brings us to your next culprit of tingling hands – a herniated disc. What exactly is a herniated disc, you may ask? Allow us to shed some light.
The vertebrae that stack to make up our spine all have small pads between them, called “discs.” They serve as little shock absorbers to help protect our spine during day-to-day and dynamic movements and are made up of a tougher outer cartilage ring and a softer, gel-like center. When a disc herniates, the soft-center portion is pushed through the outer cartilage edge. Once a disc has herniated, the displacement can put pressure on the nerves within the spine, causing an array of referral patterns. A herniated disc that’s located closer to the neck can cause tingling and burning in one arm, shoulder, or hand.
So, what’s the remedy? As frustrating as it may seem, oftentimes good old-fashioned rest is the best answer. Of course, we urge you to do this with the supervision of a medical professional who can help guide your recovery with an appropriate mix of rest and rehab.
Other Causes Of Hand Tingling
Two other possibilities for your hand tingling and numbness could also be either a pinched nerve or even an issue with your thyroid. If it’s the former, a pinched nerve in your wrist or shoulder could easily refer to that obnoxious sensation in your hand. It happens when there is too much pressure around a nerve area and can happen almost anywhere in the body.
If it’s the latter, it could mean that you have hypothyroidism. When untreated, hypothyroidism can be the cause of fluid buildup in your body, which in turn applies pressure on your nerves. If this sounds serious, that’s because it is.
The moral of the story? If you’re experiencing tingling and numbness in your hands, don’t blow it off. Take it seriously and seek medical help immediately. It may be an easy fix, but it’s best to know for certain what you’re dealing with and have the right diagnosis and treatment plan to guide you back to full health.
Can a Chiropractor Help with Nerve Pain and Tingling?
Yes! And here’s why: chiropractors are experts in understanding how the spine, vertebrae, and surrounding muscles and tissues interact. Thus, gentle chiropractic adjustments of the spine, neck, and extremities can help to realign your body and provide relief for pinched, stressed, or restricted nerves. These gentle adjustments also help to decrease inflammation, relieve pressure, reduce nerve irritability, and ultimately allow your entire body to be more receptive to the healing process.
By working consistent chiropractic care into your routine, you could significantly reduce the lingering nerve discomfort that tends to come with conditions surrounding tingling hands, while putting your body in the best position to mend. That’s a huge win-win for your overall health and recovery.
Stay on top of the early or consistent signs of hand tingling. Schedule your appointment online or call (626) 495-3230.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person advice or care from a medical professional.
