Numbness in Hands: What You Should Know
Loss of sensation in your hands, whether it happens slowly or strikes without warning, can be unsettling. Hand numbness and tingling may be uncomfortable. It can also make routine tasks like writing or handling small objects more challenging.
Sometimes it fades within moments. Other times, it lingers long enough to become a constant frustration.
It’s not unusual to feel occasional hand numbness. But if it starts happening often or wakes you up at night, it’s worth discovering what’s causing it.
Hand Numbness Causes
Most people think of poor circulation when their hands go numb, but nerves are often at the center of the problem. Compressed or irritated nerves disrupt normal sensation, resulting in numbness and tingling.
Common causes of hand numbness are:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome. With carpal tunnel, the median nerve is compressed at the wrist, often leading to loss of sensation in the thumb, index, and middle fingers.
- Ulnar nerve entrapment. Numbness affects the pinky and ring fingers, often caused by resting your elbows on hard surfaces or poor arm positioning.
- Cervical radiculopathy. Nerve roots in the neck become compressed, affecting nerve signals through the shoulder, down the arm, and into the hands.
- Poor circulation. Reduced blood flow deprives the hands of oxygen and nutrients, often creating a cold, numb sensation.
- Vitamin deficiencies. Low vitamin B12 or B6 levels can affect nerve health and lead to chronic numbness.
- Repetitive motion injuries. Extended time spent typing, using tools, or performing manual work can irritate the nerves and soft tissues in the hands.
Numbness in Left Hand vs. Right Hand
When and where the numbness occurs can provide clues about the underlying cause.
Numbness in left hand should always be taken seriously. While it’s often related to nerve compression or circulation problems, sudden numbness in this area requires immediate medical care. This is especially true if it comes with chest pressure, discomfort in the arm or jaw, or shortness of breath. These symptoms may signal a heart-related emergency.
Right hand numbness is more commonly tied to repetitive activities or poor posture. Carpal tunnel syndrome frequently causes numbness in the thumb and first two fingers of the right hand. If the pinky and ring fingers are affected, the problem may involve the ulnar nerve, especially near the elbow or shoulder.
Many people experience hand numbness and tingling during sleep due to how their wrists are positioned overnight. Bending the wrists under your pillow or tucking them close to your body restricts blood flow and nerve function. This leads to that familiar tingling when you wake up.
To prevent nighttime numbness:
- Try keeping your wrists straight during sleep
- Use a wrist brace to help maintain a neutral position and reduce nerve pressure
How to Fix Numb Hands
If you’re wondering how to fix numb hands, the best approach starts with relieving pressure on the nerves and improving circulation.
- Improve posture. Sitting upright and aligning your head and neck properly can relieve nerve compression in the shoulders and neck.
- Stretch regularly. Gentle stretching and nerve-gliding exercises keep the nerves moving freely.
- Use wrist supports. Braces help reduce pressure during repetitive activities and while sleeping.
- Manage chronic conditions. Reversing vitamin deficiencies, controlling diabetes, and lowering high blood pressure protects against long-term nerve damage.
- Review your medications. Some treatments, including chemotherapy and blood pressure medications, can contribute to nerve problems.
If these steps don’t improve your symptoms, it’s time to consult a specialist. A neurologist can provide a more detailed evaluation and recommend treatment options tailored to your situation.
Should I Make an Appointment?
Hand numbness becomes more concerning when it starts interfering with your ability to perform normal tasks. Watch for:
- Weakness or trouble gripping objects
- Difficulty buttoning clothes
- Trouble holding utensils
- Loss of fine motor control in the fingers
Remember: if you feel sudden numbness in your left hand, along with chest discomfort or arm pain, get emergency care right away. Acting quickly could prevent serious complications if the cause is heart-related.
Don’t continue to live with numbness in hands, especially when caused by cervical spine issues – schedule an appointment today!
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