Numb Hands? Carpal Tunnel or Neck Referral—How to Tell

Numbness and tingling in the hands isn’t always carpal tunnel. The neck, shoulder, or forearm can pinch or irritate nerves too. Sorting it out early saves time, cost, and frustration. Here’s a practical way to think about it before your exam.

Pattern Clues

• Carpal tunnel: Thumb, index, middle fingers; worse at night or with prolonged flexed wrists; shaking hands out may help.
• Neck referral: Includes the whole hand or specific dermatomes; neck motion may change symptoms.
• Thoracic outlet/shoulder: Symptoms with arms overhead or carrying packs.

Quick Self-Tune (Not a Diagnosis)

• Neutral wrists when typing; use a split keyboard if helpful.
• Neck resets: 6–8 chin tucks, thoracic extension over chair.
• Forearm mobility: gentle flexor/extensor stretches 20–30s.

Clinic Approach

We test neck/shoulder/wrist, check strength and sensation, and look for positional triggers. Care may include cervical/thoracic mobilization, soft tissue work, nerve-glide instruction, workspace tweaks, and collaboration with your MD for imaging or bracing when appropriate.