Sudden numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands when waking up in the morning, using the phone, or driving is a common problem for many people today. Some people feel so weak that they cannot even move their fingers. This happens when the blood flow to our hands decreases or when there is pressure on the nerves that go to the fingers. Here are the 5 main scientific causes behind hand numbness:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: The median nerve is an important nerve that passes through the wrist and carpal tunnel to the fingers. People who use a computer keyboard/mouse regularly, sewing workers, drivers, and those who do jobs that put excessive strain on their wrists in the kitchen can develop carpal tunnel syndrome, which can cause severe numbness and tingling in the thumb, index finger, and middle finger.
Cervical Spondylosis: When the vertebrae in the neck (Cervical Spine) wear out or the disc between the vertebrae (Cervical Disc Prolapse) pushes out, it puts pressure on the nerves that go from there to the hands. Due to this nerve compression, pain from the neck can radiate through the shoulder to the hands and fingers, causing severe numbness.
Diabetic Neuropathy: People with chronic and uncontrolled diabetes can develop nerve damage over time. High blood sugar levels can impair blood flow to the small nerves in the hands and feet. This is called diabetic neuropathy. This can cause chronic numbness and tingling in the fingers and toes, similar to wearing gloves and socks.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Vitamin B12 is essential for the health of the nerves in our body and for the proper functioning of the protective layer called ‘Myelin Sheath’ around them. When its levels decrease in the body, the nerves slow down and you experience pins and needles and numbness in the hands and feet. This vitamin deficiency is especially common in vegetarians.
Peripheral Artery Disease / Poor Circulation: In cold weather or when you sleep with your arms folded in the same position for a long time, the blood vessels in your hands constrict, temporarily reducing blood flow (Raynaud’s phenomenon). In addition, fatty deposits in the blood vessels can also reduce the flow of fresh blood to your hands. This can cause sudden weakness, pain, and numbness in your hands.
