Numbness and Tingling in the Hands: Neck or Wrist?

Carpal and Cubital Tunnel Syndrome as a Cervical Mimic

Also called: carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, pinched nerve at the wrist or elbow

Nerve entrapments at the wrist and elbow can produce hand numbness and weakness that closely resembles a pinched nerve in the neck, and accurate diagnosis directs treatment to the right place.

Peripheral Neuropathy as a Spine Mimic

Also called: nerve damage in the hands and feet, numbness and burning in the feet

A disorder of the peripheral nerves that produces numbness, tingling, burning pain, and weakness resembling a spinal pinched nerve or cord compression.

Central Sensitization as a Spine Mimic

Also called: oversensitive nervous system, pain sensitization

Central sensitization is a condition in which the nervous system becomes hypersensitive, producing widespread pain across many body regions that can closely resemble a pinched nerve or spinal cord problem.

Cervical Radiculopathy

Also called: pinched nerve in the neck, trapped nerve in the neck, nerve pain down the arm

A pinched or irritated nerve root in the neck that sends pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness down into the shoulder, arm, or hand.

Cervical Disc Herniation

Also called: slipped disc in the neck, herniated neck disc, ruptured disc in the neck

A displaced fragment of a neck disc's inner cushioning material, most often a self-limited problem that settles on its own over weeks to months.

Cervical Myelopathy

Also called: spinal cord compression in the neck, cervical spondylotic myelopathy

Compression of the spinal cord in the neck that gradually causes hand clumsiness, balance problems, and weakness, often requiring surgical decompression to prevent further decline.

Cervical Stenosis

Also called: narrowed spinal canal in the neck, neck spinal stenosis

Narrowing of the cervical spinal canal or nerve-root openings that can compress the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing arm pain, hand clumsiness, or balance problems.

Cervical Myeloradiculopathy

A neck condition in which age-related degeneration simultaneously compresses the spinal cord and nearby nerve roots, producing a combination of arm pain, hand clumsiness, and balance or walking problems.