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Numbness in the hands can be caused by a variety of issues, including carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, medications, and muscle knots. In many cases, the underlying cause of numbness in the hands is related to issues in the back, such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or pinched nerves. When the nerves that control sensation and movement in the arms become irritated or compressed due to spinal issues, it can lead to numbness in the hands. This compression can also be caused by muscle knots, which are commonly caused by sedentary lifestyles, repetitive motions, and intense exercise. It is important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause of hand numbness and receive appropriate treatment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Numbness in hands | Caused by carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, medications, and more |
| Related to upper back pain | |
| Caused by herniated discs, spinal issues, and nerve inflammation | |
| Caused by muscle knots, intense exercise, and sedentary lifestyles | |
| Related to neck and shoulder problems | |
| Caused by cervical disc herniation, bone spurs, and degenerative spinal processes | |
| Caused by brachial neuritis, stress, anxiety, and PTSD | |
| Caused by blocked or compressed blood vessels | |
| Caused by dehydration, cardiovascular disease, and heart attacks |
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What You'll Learn
Herniated discs and spinal issues
Numbness in the hands can be caused by several issues related to the back muscles and spine. One of the most common causes is a herniated disc, which occurs when the soft centre of a spinal disc pushes out and presses on nearby nerves. This can happen in the cervical spine or upper back area, leading to pain and numbness in the arm and hand. Foraminal stenosis, a condition where the intervertebral foramen narrows between vertebrae, can also cause similar symptoms.
In addition to herniated discs, spinal issues such as degenerative processes, bone spurs, and arthritis can lead to nerve compression or inflammation, resulting in numbness in the hands. These issues often affect the nerves that travel to the upper limbs, causing irritation and compression. Cervical spinal stenosis, for example, occurs when the spinal canal narrows and compresses the spinal cord, leading to numbness, pain, or weakness in the arms or legs.
Brachial neuritis is another condition that can cause upper back pain and arm numbness. It typically lasts from a few hours to a few days but can become permanent in rare cases. Stress, anxiety, and psychological conditions can also contribute to physical symptoms, including upper back pain and associated arm numbness.
To diagnose and treat these conditions effectively, it is important to consider the whole-body perspective and seek help from medical professionals, such as chiropractors or physiatrists specializing in spine and sports medicine. Manual adjustments, trigger-point therapy, and massage techniques can be used to relieve pressure, reduce inflammation, and restore proper function to the spinal column and affected areas.
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Brachial neuritis
The onset of pain in brachial neuritis is often abrupt and may follow a recent illness, surgery, immunisation, or trauma. The pain is usually localized to the right shoulder region, but it can be bilateral in 10-30% of cases. The intensity of the pain is very high and is maximal at its onset. The pain is usually described as sharp or throbbing and is constant. However, movements of the neck, coughing, and sneezing do not usually worsen the pain. Intense pain can last from a few hours to several weeks and may require opiate analgesia. Low-grade pain may persist for up to a year. As the pain subsides, weakness becomes apparent, followed by numbness. Numbness occurs depending on the particular nerves affected and is usually found in the nerve distribution corresponding to maximal muscle weakness.
The primary characteristic symptoms of brachial neuritis are sudden unilateral or bilateral pain in the shoulder girdle, followed by the onset of muscle weakness. Sensory deficits may also be noted in some patients. Symptoms typically radiate to the neck, arms, and forearms and may last from a few days to an average of 4 weeks. In rare cases, it can last much longer or become permanent.
The treatment approach for brachial neuritis is divided into acute and chronic phases, with therapies varying depending on the progression of symptoms. Management often includes supportive therapies, physical therapy, corticosteroids, and intravenous immunoglobulin. In some patients, surgical procedures such as neurolysis may be considered.
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Carpal tunnel syndrome
When the median nerve is damaged or irritated, it can send extra or incorrect signals to the hand and wrist, resulting in symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness. Carpal tunnel syndrome usually develops slowly, with minor symptoms at first that may get worse over time. People often first notice symptoms at night, such as pain or tingling that may wake them up. Over time, the symptoms may start affecting daily activities, especially if repetitive motions are involved, such as typing, writing, or using tools.
The syndrome can make the wrists, hands, and fingers feel uncomfortable, with sensations ranging from pinpricks to a feeling of the hands "falling asleep." Some individuals may also experience weakness in their grip and difficulty performing fine movements, such as buttoning clothes or holding small objects. Carpal tunnel syndrome is more prevalent in women and older individuals and can be influenced by hereditary factors, with a smaller carpal tunnel size or anatomical differences running in families.
If left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to permanent dysfunction of the hand, including loss of sensation in the fingers and weakness. Therefore, prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial. Treatment options may include wearing a splint, physical therapy, or, in some cases, surgery to relieve pressure on the median nerve.
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Muscle knots
There are several treatments available for muscle knots, including home remedies and professional therapies. Applying warm or cold pads, alternating between hot and cold treatments, can help to relieve pain and inflammation. Stretching can also prevent and release muscle knots, helping to reduce muscle tension and elongate the muscles. Using a foam roller or one's hands to apply firm pressure on the knot can encourage the muscle to release. Additionally, muscle rubs can help to soften and relax muscle knots.
For more serious cases, physical therapy may be recommended. This can include myofascial release therapy, which applies gentle sustained pressure to the myofascial connective tissue restrictions to ease pain and restore motion. Other treatments include injecting a numbing medicine into the spot, dry needling, acupuncture, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy.
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Atherosclerosis
Numbness in the hands can be caused by several factors, including back muscle issues and atherosclerosis.
Back Muscles and Numbness in Hands
Back pain and arm numbness are often connected. The nerves that control sensation and movement in the arms originate in the spinal cord and travel through the neck and upper back. When these nerves are irritated or compressed—often due to spinal issues—it can lead to numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms. A herniated disc, for instance, occurs when the soft centre of a spinal disc pushes out and presses on nearby nerves. If this occurs in the cervical or upper back area, it can cause upper back pain and numbness in the arm. Other spinal issues, such as cervical spinal stenosis, can also lead to similar symptoms.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD), a form of atherosclerosis, specifically affects the peripheral arteries that carry blood away from the heart. PAD can lead to pain, aching, heaviness, or cramps in the legs while engaging in physical activities. Arm artery disease, a less common form of PAD, can cause similar symptoms in the arms and hands. These symptoms typically occur when engaging in activities that require raising the arms. Atherosclerosis can also lead to more severe complications, such as heart attacks and strokes, which may also involve numbness in the arms and hands.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, back problems can cause numbness in the hands. The nerves that control sensation and movement in your arms originate in the spinal cord and travel through the neck and upper back. When these nerves are irritated or compressed—often due to spinal issues—it can lead to numbness in the hands.
There are several causes of hand numbness, including carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, medications, muscle knots, and injuries.
To relieve hand numbness caused by back problems, it is important to identify the underlying cause. Chiropractic treatments, manual adjustments, and therapeutic massages can help relieve pressure on nerves and improve blood circulation. In some cases, surgery may be recommended if symptoms do not improve with conservative treatments.
