2 Most Common Causes of Numbness and Tingling in Hands

Table of Contents

1. Metabolic Neuropathies
2. Compressive Neuropathies
   1. Neck Compression
   2. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
   3. Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
   4. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Metabolic Neuropathies

If you experience numbness and tingling in your hands, it could be due to metabolic neuropathies.

These occur when your body has an imbalance of certain substances.

For example, excessive sugar in your diet can cause inflammation that affects the nerves in your hands and feet, leading to these sensations.

On the other hand, deficiencies in B vitamins can also cause numbness and tingling.

Learn what foods and nutrients can affect numbness and tingling in your hands in this post.

Compressive Neuropathies

Another common cause of numbness and tingling in your hands is compressive neuropathy.

This happens when a nerve is pinched, preventing signals from traveling from your fingers to your brain.

Even if your diet is healthy, a pinched nerve will interfere with nerve function.

There are several places where nerve compression can occur, starting from the neck down to the hands.

1. Nerve Root Compression in Neck

Nerve compression can begin in the neck.

The nerve roots that exit your neck can get pinched, causing numbness or tingling in your hands.

Central spinal stenosis, which affects the spinal cord, can also lead to these symptoms in both hands.

If you suspect neck compression, simple tests can help determine if the nerves in your neck are involved.

For example, extending your neck or tipping your head to one side may worsen the symptoms in your hands, signaling a nerve issue in your neck.

It is important to check your neck even if you have been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Both conditions can coexist, meaning the symptoms may not be caused solely by carpal tunnel syndrome.

Addressing the neck issue as well may help resolve the problem.

2. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Thoracic outlet syndrome occurs when nerves are compressed in the area between your neck and shoulder.

The brachial plexus nerves run from your neck, under your collarbone, and over the first rib. These nerves can be compressed by tight muscles, poor posture, or even the first rib itself.

Tight scalene muscles can raise the first rib, narrowing the space where the nerves run and causing numbness and tingling in the hands.

In addition, chest muscles that are stiff due to poor posture can also compress the nerves in this area, contributing to the symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome.

Stretching and posture correction can often help relieve these symptoms.

Treatment for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

One effective treatment is to use a stretching strap or a similar tool to open up the space between the collarbone and first rib.

This can help alleviate nerve compression caused by tight muscles. Stretching the scalene muscles can also help with relief.

Additionally, stretches targeting the pectoralis minor muscle can help reduce compression on the nerve bundle in the chest and shoulder area.

3. Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Cubital tunnel syndrome occurs when the ulnar nerve is compressed or irritated as it passes through the cubital tunnel at the elbow.

This can cause numbness and tingling, particularly in the ring and little fingers.

It’s often the result of prolonged elbow flexion, such as sleeping with the arm bent or leaning on the elbow for long periods.

Treatment Options:

• Avoid positions that cause compression, like bending the elbow for extended periods.
• Stretching and strengthening exercises to reduce muscle tightness.
• Bracing to keep the elbow in a neutral position during sleep.

4. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist.

It often causes tingling, numbness, or pain in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring fingers.

It is commonly caused by repetitive wrist movements or prolonged pressure on the wrist.

Treatment Options:

• Wrist splinting to keep the wrist in a neutral position, especially at night.
• Ergonomic adjustments to minimize repetitive movements or positions.
• Stretching and strengthening exercises for the wrist and forearm.

Conclusion

As you can see there are many different causes of numbness and tingling in the hands. Figuring out the cause on your own can be difficult and frustrating. Fortunately though, you don't have to!

We can help you figure out what's causing your hand numbness and now to get it to go away.

Need Help For Numbness and Tingling In Your Hands?

If you live in the St. Louis area and need help for numbness and tingling in your hands, tap the button below to request an appointment.

Request An Appointment