slight numbness and tingling in the thumb

is it also in the index finger?

is it also in the index finger?

Slight numbness and tingling in the thumb after a slipped disc in the neck means the C6 nerve root is being irritated.


Hello,

Your article was very helpful. I have a question.

I recently had a herniated disk in my neck, then began soon thereafter to have slight numbness in my thumb with pins and needle feelings coming and going. Running my thumb under cold water feels great but just temporary.

Just curious before I go back to the doctor, will it heal on its own or do I need to perform some exercises to help heal. I never went for an MRI. I just went to an orthopedist and took steroids for a few weeks which helped tremendously with the herniated disk.

Thanks in advance for your help!

There's nothing unusual about having radiating effects to your hand after a slipped disc in the neck; in fact it's the norm.

But is it also affecting your index finger? Then it clearly belongs to the C6 dermatome.

Usually I find if the pain goes away, the symptoms in the hand will usually gradually heal on their own, given some common sense and care. Don't go carrying heavy parcels in that arm, don't fall asleep in the chair, or on the couch, and so on.

If turning your head and looking up provokes the tingling in your fingers then I'd suggest you see your doctor again; it's called Spurling's sign. Also if the upper limb tension test is positive; using the search function at Chiropractic Help you'll find more about them.

Remember the steriods are only symptom treatment; the underlying problem is still there. I'm sure you had x-rays taken, what did they show?

Good luck.

Dr B

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