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Writer's pictureErica Chan

Hand numbness is related to your neck?

Is hand numbness a cervical spine problem? Let's understand it better!




Hand numbness is a symptom that many people have encountered occasionally. Sometimes, when we sleep with our hand as a pillow or hit our elbow on a sharp corner, our hand suddenly feels like it has been shocked. These are all familiar cases of hand numbness.


Persistent hand numbness, sometimes severe and sometimes disappearing, leads many people to believe that the cause is in the tendons, joints, or stiff muscles of the hand. However, the fact is that it may be related to the health of your neck!


The cervical spine is an important structure that supports the head, consisting of seven small vertebrae connected by intervertebral discs and joints. The nerves from the brain travel down through the body, and the nerves controlling the hands originate from the cervical spine, traveling through the collarbone, armpit, arm, wrist, and finally the fingers. Any compression or irritation of these nerves along the way can cause hand numbness, and the most common and often overlooked area is the neck.


Hand numbness is a common symptom that can have various causes, including:

  1. Nerve damage or compression: Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or cervical disc disease can lead to hand numbness. Early medical attention can help identify the cause and receive appropriate treatment.

  2. Circulatory problems: Diseases like diabetes or atherosclerosis can cause insufficient blood supply to the hands, leading to numbness. Timely medical care can help detect and treat the underlying problem.

  3. Injury or trauma: Fractures, sprains, or tendon damage can also cause hand numbness. Seeking early medical attention can ensure proper diagnosis and treatment to prevent further complications.


If you experience hand numbness, it is recommended to seek professionals attention for diagnosis and treatment. Chiropractors can perform a thorough examination based on your specific symptoms and provide an accurate diagnosis, followed by an appropriate treatment plan. This can effectively alleviate or resolve the hand numbness issue and prevent it from worsening or causing permanent damage.


Some methods that may help alleviate hand numbness include:

  1. Stretching the neck muscles: Neck stretches and massage can help relieve neck muscle tension, reducing the pressure on the nerve roots.

  2. Changing posture: Avoid prolonged static postures, especially when using computers or smartphones.

  3. Using ice packs: If the hand numbness is caused by conditions like cervical disc protrusion, applying ice packs can help reduce pain and inflammation.

  4. Seeking treatment: For severe cervical spine problems, surgical or other treatment methods may be necessary.


To find the root cause and receive targeted treatment, it is important to seek medical attention. Chiropractic adjustments, strengthening the deep neck muscles, traction therapy, and physical therapy can help alleviate the symptoms. Paying attention to and correcting poor posture habits can also contribute to a long-term solution.

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