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Neurology (Expert Forum)
hand numbness
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hand numbness
by mika_k, Feb 17, 2005 12:00AM
Thank you for taking my question.
Would a MRI of the c-spine show if there was a problem with a nerve root? I am having numbness in my left hand and fingers, only along the side of my of my pinky and ring fingers. the rest of my hand feels fine. I am having pain on the left side of my spine at about the top of my shoulder level. My doctor sent me to physical therapy for this and because I had a left shoulder decompression and rotator cuff repair. My shoulder is doing great and the pain there is gone. The only thing that I found that helps the pain in my neck and the numbness is cervical traction. It relieves the pain and numbness right away and then comes back as soon as the traction is over. My grip strength in my left hand is about 25lbs weaker than my right hand. I had a MRI of my c-spine that was normal. My doctor said it could be from my shoulder, and the physical therapist is convinced it is my neck. They did a nerve block somewhere in my shoulder area for the surgery, could that cause a problem in my hand? Could there be a problem in my neck that the MRI didn't show? Is it possible that the numbness with be permanent? What should be my next step? Any advice you can offer will be appreciated! Thanks again!
Would a MRI of the c-spine show if there was a problem with a nerve root? I am having numbness in my left hand and fingers, only along the side of my of my pinky and ring fingers. the rest of my hand feels fine. I am having pain on the left side of my spine at about the top of my shoulder level. My doctor sent me to physical therapy for this and because I had a left shoulder decompression and rotator cuff repair. My shoulder is doing great and the pain there is gone. The only thing that I found that helps the pain in my neck and the numbness is cervical traction. It relieves the pain and numbness right away and then comes back as soon as the traction is over. My grip strength in my left hand is about 25lbs weaker than my right hand. I had a MRI of my c-spine that was normal. My doctor said it could be from my shoulder, and the physical therapist is convinced it is my neck. They did a nerve block somewhere in my shoulder area for the surgery, could that cause a problem in my hand? Could there be a problem in my neck that the MRI didn't show? Is it possible that the numbness with be permanent? What should be my next step? Any advice you can offer will be appreciated! Thanks again!
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS, Feb 18, 2005 12:00AM
The numbness you describe is in the area supplied by the ulnar nerve, which runs from the armpit down to the hand. It also supplies many muscles in the hand.
You may have a pinched ulnar nerve causing your symptoms - however it could be anywhere along the nerve. Usually the ulnar nerve is pinched at the wrist or the elbow. It could potentially be pinched at a higher level in the neck
The way to tell where it is affected, and how severely is by an EMG and nerve conduction study. This test can be done at most neurology practices. Depending on the findings the nerve could be decomressed if severe enough - numnbess will usually return although there is a possibility that some will remain. Sometimes its just a simple matter of adjusting your body posture - a common cause of ulnar nerve damage is leaning on your elbows.
You may have a pinched ulnar nerve causing your symptoms - however it could be anywhere along the nerve. Usually the ulnar nerve is pinched at the wrist or the elbow. It could potentially be pinched at a higher level in the neck
The way to tell where it is affected, and how severely is by an EMG and nerve conduction study. This test can be done at most neurology practices. Depending on the findings the nerve could be decomressed if severe enough - numnbess will usually return although there is a possibility that some will remain. Sometimes its just a simple matter of adjusting your body posture - a common cause of ulnar nerve damage is leaning on your elbows.
Thanks again for your help
Wants me to drive with it not resting on the window anymore...yeah right..lol
hope youfeel better
I am a 57 y/o female. In Oct. 2004, I was hurt in a work related incident. A full four drawer file cabinet fell on me injuring my neck and back. Approximately 2-3 weeks after the accident, I stated experiencing tingling in my left pinky finger. It would come and go and I thought perhaps my ring was too tight, although it would turn and come off easily, so I removed the ring. This tingling progress to numbness and now encompases both the fourth and fifth digits of my left hand and the outside of my hand approx. i/2 way up the inner palm. I have had an MRI and it shows nothing according to the workman's comp dr. Help!!! Has anyone experienced this, and any advice. It is driving me nuts. Thanks.
CAN ANYONE HELP ME.
Sincerly;
wuzuptnt99
CAN ANYONE HELP ME.
Sincerly;
wuzuptnt99
CAN ANYONE HELP ME.
Sincerly;
wuzuptnt99
CAN ANYONE HELP ME.
Sincerly;
wuzuptnt99
CAN ANYONE HELP ME.
Sincerly;
wuzuptnt99
CAN ANYONE HELP ME.
Sincerly;
wuzuptnt99
CAN ANYONE HELP ME.
Sincerly;
wuzuptnt99
CAN ANYONE HELP ME.
Sincerly;
wuzuptnt99
I have fibromylagia (fibromyalgia) and myofascial pain disorders along with DDD, and lower back problems. I have MANY myofascial knots in my upper arms, back, and the armpit area.
Typing increases the numbness and pain to arm, 'freezes' the fingers even more. My doctor said to take a week to see if there was any improvement. There has been maybe, 5-10%?---my arm, pit-area, elbow areas along with neck, shoulder, shoulder blade area is becoming more painful.
I only see a family doc, although I have been to pain clinics and dx. with the fm/mps.(Was given injections to right side neck, both sides back---ins. ran out then before left neck side was injected for pain)I'm on medicare, so money is a big reason for dragging my feet on seeing a specialist for 'nerve tests' that family doctor said I might need......?? Will this pass? Sorry, I live with extreme pain everyday, and have dealt with the fibro/myofascial numbness before--but it always goes away. This time is scary....thanks.