Experiencing severe numbness in the hands and fingers when getting up in the morning, or when holding a mobile phone or pen for a long time, and things falling from the hands without realizing it—this is a major health problem that bothers many people today. Many people tend to ignore it by thinking it is just ‘poor blood circulation’. But the real reason for this is the pressure on the main nerves that go to our hands. Here are the 5 main scientific reasons behind numbness and pain in the hands:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: The median nerve is the main nerve that passes through the wrist and palm. This nerve, which passes through the narrow path in the wrist, becomes severely compressed in people who use the computer mouse and keyboard for hours on end, sewing workers, and mixer users. This causes severe numbness and tingling in the thumb, index finger, and middle finger.
Cervical Spondylosis: When the vertebrae in our neck wear out or the discs in them slip out (Slipped Disc), the spinal nerves that go from there to the hands get compressed. This can cause severe pain and numbness (Radiculopathy) that starts from the neck and goes through the shoulders to the hands and fingers.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Vitamin B12 is essential for the smooth functioning of the nerves in our body and for maintaining the protective sheath around them, the ‘Myelin Sheath’. This vitamin deficiency is commonly seen in vegetarians. When vitamin B12 is low, the nerves become weak and can cause a chronic numbness in the feet and hands, similar to wearing gloves and socks (Peripheral Neuropathy).
Diabetes and Diabetic Neuropathy: In diabetics, whose blood sugar levels remain high for a long time, high glucose levels damage the small blood vessels leading to the nerves. This disrupts the function of the nerves and causes severe burning, stinging, and tingling in the hands and feet.
Wrong sleeping positions and sleeping patterns: When you sleep with your arms under your head for a long time, or when you lie on your back and your entire body weight falls on one arm, blood flow and impulses to the nerves in that area are temporarily interrupted. This can be felt as severe numbness in the hands when you wake up suddenly from sleep (temporary pressure palsy).
