Logan Steele
Numbness in the hands can be caused by many factors, including nerve damage, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and medication. Tight muscles in the chest and shoulder regions, such as the pectoral muscles, can also contribute to hand numbness by compressing nerves and blood vessels at the base of the neck and shoulder. This condition is known as Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) and can be treated through stretching exercises, posture correction, and physiotherapy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sensation | Numbness or tingling |
| Location | Fingers and/or hands |
| Cause | Compression or pinching of a bundle of nerves and blood vessels at the base of the neck and in the shoulder |
| Compression Sites | Extra rib above the others, congenital or acquired changes in bones or soft tissues, repetitive overhead activity, poor posture |
| Symptoms | Weakness or heaviness in the arm, cramp-like pain in the arm and hand, changes in hand colour, cold hands |
| Treatment | Stretching exercises, posture correction, physiotherapy, surgery |
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What You'll Learn
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS)
Neurogenic TOS, which accounts for about 95% of cases, occurs when there is pressure on the brachial plexus, a network of nerves that provide movement and sensation to the arm and hand. This type of TOS is often caused by repetitive stress injuries, such as those sustained during sports, or sudden trauma to the neck, such as whiplash. Symptoms of neurogenic TOS include pain, tingling, and numbness in the affected areas. Physical therapy and exercises are typically the first line of treatment for this type of TOS, but in some cases, surgery may be necessary.
Venous TOS, which is more common in males, involves compression of the subclavian vein, leading to reduced blood flow from the arm. This type of TOS can cause symptoms such as swelling, heaviness, and numbness in the arm. Surgery is usually recommended for venous TOS, as it may involve removing muscles and ribs that are compressing the vein.
Arterial TOS is the rarest form, accounting for about 1% of cases. It occurs when the subclavian artery, which supplies oxygen-rich blood to the arm, is compressed. This compression can lead to poor circulation, resulting in numbness, tingling, and pain in the arm, hand, and fingers. Similar to venous TOS, surgery is typically recommended for arterial TOS to relieve compression and improve blood flow.
Physiotherapy can play a crucial role in the treatment of TOS by releasing tight soft tissues, mobilizing joints, and providing stretches to alleviate muscle tightness and improve posture. Maintaining good posture, with the head back and shoulders rolled slightly backward and downward, can also help prevent and manage TOS.
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Poor posture
TOS is a condition that involves the compression or pinching of a bundle of nerves and blood vessels located at the base of the neck and in the shoulder. It is not a common condition, and it can be challenging to diagnose. In addition to poor posture, TOS can also be caused by a shoulder injury, repetitive overhead activity, or congenital or acquired changes in the bones or soft tissues around the neck and shoulder area. Symptoms of TOS can vary in terms of frequency, duration, and the amount of compression present.
Maintaining good posture is one of the easiest ways to prevent and improve symptoms of TOS. This involves keeping the head back and the shoulders rolled slightly backward and downward, which helps to open up the chest and reduce muscle tension in the neck and shoulders. Physiotherapy can also be beneficial for TOS, as a physiotherapist can help release the surrounding soft tissue, mobilize adjacent joints, and provide stretches for muscles and nerves. They can also educate patients on their condition, posture, and how to adapt their daily activities to avoid symptoms.
In addition to poor posture, hand numbness can also be caused by other factors such as nerve injuries, pressure on the nerves of the spine, vitamin or mineral deficiencies, and certain medications. It is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause of hand numbness and receive appropriate treatment.
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Repetitive movements
The condition is damage to muscles, tendons, or nerves caused by repetitive motions and constant use. It is characterised by pain, swelling, and tenderness, which typically worsens during and after physical activity. The pain may be accompanied by a pins and needles sensation, known as paresthesia, and a feeling of weakness in the affected area.
The most common repetitive overuse injury in the hand and wrist is tendinitis, which occurs when a tendon becomes inflamed due to irritation or stress. De Quervain's tenosynovitis is a specific type of tendinitis that affects the tendons running from the wrist to the thumb. This type of tendinitis is often seen in people who knit, sew, twist their wrists with tools like screwdrivers, or play video games involving small thumb movements.
If you suspect you have an RSI, it is important to see a healthcare provider. They will likely diagnose the condition through a physical exam and ask you about your symptoms and daily routine. Treatment typically involves modifying or reducing the activity that caused the injury, allowing the body to rest and heal. Most people with RSI are able to manage their symptoms and recover without further treatment. However, in severe cases, steroid injections or surgery may be necessary.
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Compression neuropathy
The condition can result in a range of symptoms, including pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the affected area. These symptoms may be intermittent or continuous and can vary in intensity from mild to severe. Compression neuropathies can affect various peripheral nerves in the body, including the median, ulnar, radial, and sciatic nerves. Certain occupations, postures, and activities can increase the risk of developing a compression neuropathy. For example, cyclists may experience "cyclist's palsy" due to prolonged grip pressures on handlebars, while construction workers who regularly use vibrating tools are at higher risk of radial nerve entrapment.
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a type of compression neuropathy that involves the compression or pinching of nerves and blood vessels in the lower neck and upper chest. This compression can be caused by congenital factors, such as an extra rib, or acquired factors, such as poor posture or repetitive overhead activities. TOS can lead to symptoms like numbness, weakness, and pain in the arms and hands.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is another common form of compression neuropathy, affecting the median nerve in the wrist. This condition can cause numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and wrist. Cubital tunnel syndrome, or ulnar nerve entrapment, is a similar condition affecting the ulnar nerve at the elbow.
Treatment options for compression neuropathies include conservative measures such as physiotherapy, stretches, and exercises, as well as more invasive procedures like surgery. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to prevent irreversible damage and ensure positive clinical outcomes.
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Carpal tunnel syndrome
The median nerve is one of the main nerves in the hand, originating in the neck and travelling down the arm to the wrist and hand. It helps with moving the forearm and provides feeling to most of the fingers and hand. When something irritates or puts extra pressure on this nerve, it can send extra or incorrect signals to the hand and wrist.
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness in the hand and wrist. Some people may experience sensations like pinpricks or the feeling of their hands "falling asleep." The pain may be sharp and burning or a constant ache. Carpal tunnel syndrome can also lead to a weaker grip and difficulty performing fine movements, such as buttoning clothes or holding small objects.
If left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to permanent nerve damage and dysfunction of the hand, including loss of sensation in the fingers. Treatment options include wearing a splint, physical therapy, and, in some cases, surgery to relieve pressure on the median nerve.
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Frequently asked questions
Numbness in the hands can be accompanied by tingling, or "pins and needles", in the fingers and hands. This can be accompanied by muscle weakness in the affected arm and hand.
Hand numbness can be caused by pressure or damage to the nerves in the hand, wrist, arm, or neck. This can be caused by an injury, a herniated disc, a tumour, infection, or enlarged blood vessels. Compression neuropathy can cause weak or twitchy muscles, and can be caused by a displaced or angled fracture, thickened tendon linings, fascia, or an abnormally located muscle. Carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and medications can also cause hand numbness.
If you are experiencing hand numbness, you should consult a medical professional to determine the cause and best course of treatment. Treatment options can include surgery, medication, or home remedies such as over-the-counter pain relievers or wearing splints on your hands. Gentle stretching exercises and posture correction can also help alleviate tightness in the pectoral muscles, which can cause hand numbness.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is a condition that involves the compression or pinching of a bundle of nerves and blood vessels located at the base of the neck and in the shoulder. Symptoms include numbness and tingling in both hands when raising the arms over the head, washing or drying hair, during prolonged cleaning, or other overhead activities. TOS can be caused by an extra rib, poor posture, shoulder injury, or repetitive overhead activity.
