Causes of Hand Pain and Numbness

If your work requires you to sit in front of a desk and face computer for more than 5 to 8 hours, you might be no stranger to the symptoms of hand pain and numbness.

In today’s blog, we are going to discuss about the possible causes of hand pain and numbness after a prolonged sedentary office time.

Cervical Radiculopathy

Neurological symptoms of numbness, tingling or weakness in the shoulder, arm and hand may occur when cervical nerve root in neck becomes compressed or inflamed, such as from a bone spur or herniated disc.

Besides, electrical shock-like pain can sometimes accompany cervical radiculopathy. It’s possible that pain and numbness in the hand are the primary symptoms of the condition mentioned.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)

Thoracic outlet syndrome defined as the blood vessels or nerves in the region between your collarbone and your first rib (thoracic outlet) are compressed.

This might result in shoulder and neck pain, finger numbness and a feeling of heaviness in the arm and hand. In some severe cases, the skin of hand can be blotchy or discoloured and altered hand temperature can be presented.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

Carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway surrounded by bones and ligaments, which allow a bundle of tendons and nerves running through the wrist and into the hand. CTS is caused by compression on one of the structures that passing through – median nerve.

When the median nerve is compressed, resulting in numbness, tingling and weakness in the hand and arm. Repeated palm and wrist pressure (mouse use in the office) might be one of the risk factors that contribute to this condition. Other factors that may lead to carpal tunnel syndrome are pregnancy and overuse of your wrist during sports.