Is the numbness in my hand coming from my neck or my wrist?
It can be either, or both. A pinched nerve in the neck and carpal tunnel syndrome can feel almost identical. Clues include which fingers are affected, whether symptoms are worse at night, and whether you have neck pain. A careful exam, and sometimes nerve testing, tells them apart so the right spot is treated.
Nerve conditions we treat
Carpal tunnel syndrome
What it isPressure on the median nerve as it passes through the wrist.
SymptomsNumbness or tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers, often worse at night; dropping things.
CausesRepetitive hand use, pregnancy, diabetes, thyroid conditions, and arthritis can contribute.
TreatmentNight splints and activity changes first; a steroid injection may help; carpal tunnel release surgery when symptoms persist or testing shows nerve damage. It is a short outpatient procedure.
Cubital tunnel syndrome
What it isPressure on the ulnar nerve at the elbow.
SymptomsNumbness in the ring and little fingers, worse when the elbow is bent; weak grip.
TreatmentAvoiding prolonged elbow bending and night padding first; surgery to release or move the nerve if symptoms persist.
Peripheral neuropathy
What it isDamage to nerves, usually starting in the feet.
CausesDiabetes is the most common; others include vitamin deficiencies, alcohol, and some medications.
TreatmentManaging the cause with your other doctors, plus symptom relief. A neurosurgeon’s role is to rule out a compressed nerve that surgery could help.
Peripheral nerve tumors
Usually noncancerous growths on a nerve that can cause a lump, pain, or tingling. Evaluated with MRI and often removed surgically when they cause symptoms.
How are nerve problems diagnosed?
A history and hands-on exam, then nerve conduction studies and EMG when needed to measure how well the nerve carries signals.
Recovery and realistic expectations
After carpal tunnel release, most people use the hand for light tasks within days. Nerves heal slowly, so long-standing numbness can take months to improve, and very long-standing nerve damage may not fully recover. This is why earlier evaluation helps.
Go to the ER or call 911 if you have:
Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, facial drooping, or trouble speaking. These can be signs of a stroke.
Common questions
Why see a neurosurgeon for carpal tunnel?
Neurosurgeons are nerve specialists. Dr. Mignucci can also rule out a neck problem that mimics carpal tunnel, which avoids treating the wrong spot.
How long does carpal tunnel surgery take?
The procedure itself is usually short, and you go home the same day. Most people use the hand for light tasks within days.
Will the numbness go away?
Many patients notice improvement quickly, but nerves heal slowly. Long-standing numbness can take months to improve, which is why earlier evaluation helps.
Related
This page is for general education and is not medical advice or a diagnosis. Talk with your doctor about your own symptoms and treatment options.