New Symptom

[smc]

Has anyone who has had an neck/upper back problem ever had strange feelings in their hand?

I have developed a kinda pins & needles sort of numb feeling, especially in my thumb.

[andromeda1111]

This sounds like a pinched nerve, I have had this before and was never concerned about it, it would usually go away without any reoccurances, similar if I slept the wrong way on my shoulder, I would get a numb achey feeling in my arm into my hand and thumb, or maybe if I tweaked my upper back and by not stretching enough, promoting a muscle spasm,

Andro1111

[mmglobal]

I have this with cervical issues. Often pins and needles... sometimes numbness... sometimes strange temperature sensing weirdness (holding my hand under hot water, wondering why some fingers feel like it's cold and others fill like it's hot)

I have large osteophytes at C5-6 and 6-7 that cause "moderately severe foraminal stenosis".
Mark

[smc]

Thanks!

I have had a flare of my neck problem in the last couple of weeks and now developed these feelings in my thumb, I was pretty sure it was connected but thought I would check.

See physio later so see what they say.

I just hope it doesn't spread to my other fingers, can just about cope with it in my thumb.

[Harrison]

SMC, as you may recall, we shared similar symptoms. In the past few weeks, I realized (or should I say hope) I learned that the cause of my problems were from a pinched nerve in the brachial plexus area. If your issue is not cervical in nature, check out these resources that Lisa offered (Thx Lisa):

introductory TOS articles/websites for patients

www.tellmeabouttos.com

www.healthpages.org/AHP/LIBRARY/HLTHTOP/CTD/tos.htm

www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/disorders/thoracic_doc.htm

www.nismat.org/ptcor/thoracic_outlet/index.html

www.thebodyworker.com/thoracicoutletsyndrome.htm

www.tos-syndrome.com/

www.whiplash101.com/tos.htm

[Alastair]

Hi Sara,
it sounds a bit like everybody says and maybe it's too much eating Christmas pudding and lying down -- -- --lol

It could just be that you have been sleeping awkwardly, I hope you see your physio soon who no doubt will resolve this problem.
Best,
Alastair

[smc]

No Christmas Pud has passed these lips!!!

Harrison, it is a cervical problem I have, although not been given any name for it.

Alastair, I saw physio earlier and she said it is coming from my neck,it is the nerves reacting to the neck problem.

We shall see if it eases off now I have had more treatment.

[queenofhearts]

Although my neck has been as crappy as my lumbar spine for some time, I haven't had too many issues with it - until the last few months. Pins and needles - numbness - pain radiating through my left shoulder blade down to my hand - dead index finger - no bicep reflex.

It all started with occasional pins and needles feeling in my hand - on and off for 2-3 months before the rest of the symptoms kicked in. Physical therapy has helped only a little, and I am scheduled for surgery in January.

You are wise to have it checked - even 'minor' pins and needles sensations can be an indication of a larger problem.

[smc]

As I say it is a new symptom, just appeared in last couple of days. Mentioned it to my physio's stand in, today and she confirmed it is connected.

Will see how it goes between now and seeing my usual physio next week.

I am seeing doctor week after so can mention it if need be.

Is just the annoyance factor of it, finding writing etc.... really difficult, even opening and fastening things. Right now I wish I was left handed!

[Alastair]

Hi Sara,
Have you tried gentle "Shoulder rolling" with your shoulders gently rolling them backwards and sort of pulling your chin in to-wards your chest but parallel with your body? Not a tilt of your chin in but try moving you whole head back in a line (opposite to a chicken pecking, but a single gentle movement and hold it back)- - -sorry its hard to describe. Try doing figure of eights sideways with your nose(head in the usual position)slowly that might ease it.

Physio at a distance is hard
Best,
Alastair