Biruni University Faculty of Medicine, Head of Anatomy Department, Prof. Dr. Erdinç Tunç stated that numbness, tingling and loss of strength in the fingers are not always caused by carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist, and these symptoms may be a sign of a cervical disc herniation.
Prof., whose opinions were included in the statement made by the hospital. Dr. Erdinç Tunç pointed out that the source of the problem felt in the hands and fingers may sometimes be not in the wrist, but in the nerve roots in the neck.
Tunç said, "The numbness that increases especially with neck movements and the feeling of electricity spreading from the arm to the hand may be a symptom of a cervical disc herniation." he said.
Explaining that complaints of numbness in hands and fingers are more common with the increase in computer and phone use, Tunç stated that these symptoms are often directly associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Tunç stated that the nerves that provide sensation and movement in the fingertips start from the neck region and reach the fingers through the shoulder, arm, elbow and wrist, and continued as follows:
"The human body consists of interconnected systems. The source of numbness, pain or loss of strength felt in the fingers can be found much higher up, in the neck region. The pressure on the nerve roots in the neck can travel along the nerve line and cause symptoms in the hands and fingers. In other words, while the signal is distorted in the neck, the alarm may sound in the hand."
Stating that there are discs between the cervical vertebrae that act as shock absorbers, Tunç emphasized that these discs can wear out, tear or shift over time.
Tunç stated that cervical herniation may occur when the disc tissue puts pressure on the nerve roots and said, "The pressure in the neck area can spread from the shoulder to the arm and fingers along the nerve. For this reason, patients may consult a physician due to numbness or loss of strength in their hands rather than neck pain." made his evaluations.
Prof. Dr. Tunç stated that carpal tunnel syndrome and cervical disc herniation may cause similar complaints and emphasized that the distribution of symptoms is important in differential diagnosis.
Explaining that the numbness in carpal tunnel syndrome is mostly evident in the thumb, index finger and middle finger, Tunç said, "In cervical hernia, depending on the affected nerve root, the numbness may progress along the arm and spread to different parts of the hand and the little finger. However, it is not correct to make a definitive diagnosis just by looking at the distribution of the fingers." shared his knowledge.
Tunç noted that an increase in symptoms with neck movements could also be an important finding, and explained that if the numbness and electrical sensation in the hand increases when the head is turned to the right or left or tilted back, the problem should be considered to be neck-related.
Evaluation should not be delayed when symptoms appear
Pointing out that if the pressure on the nerve progresses, the motor nerves that provide movement may also be affected, Tunç said:
"Nerve pressure does not only cause pain and numbness. Fine motor skills such as writing, buttoning, zipping, or holding a small object may be impaired. Muscle strength in the hand may decrease and the person may begin to drop the objects he or she is holding. When these symptoms occur, evaluation should not be delayed."
Tunç stated that the treatment approaches for carpal tunnel syndrome and cervical disc herniation are different from each other and pointed out that correct diagnosis is important for the success of the treatment.
Pointing out that although the problem arises from the nerve roots in the neck, applying bandages, injections or other interventions only to the wrist may not provide the expected benefit, Tunç stated that this may cause the actual disease to progress and treatment to be delayed.
Tunç emphasized that numbness and comprehension problems in the hands and fingers should not be postponed with the thought that they will "go away on their own" and said:
"Long-lasting nerve pressure can cause permanent damage and wasting of the muscles. People with such complaints should consult a Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation or Brain and Nerve Surgery specialist. If deemed necessary after a detailed neurological examination, EMG may be requested to evaluate the conduction of the nerves, and a neck MRI may be requested to examine the anatomical structure of the cervical vertebrae and discs. Thus, it can be determined whether the complaints originate from the wrist or neck region."
Stating that medication, exercise, physical therapy, lifestyle adjustments or surgical methods can be applied in cases of cervical disc herniation and carpal tunnel syndrome, depending on the patient's condition, Tunç said, "In many patients diagnosed at an early stage, complaints can be controlled with correct exercises, physical therapy, appropriate activity position, right pillow and daily living arrangements without the need for surgery. For the success of the treatment, it is of great importance to seek expert evaluation before the symptoms progress." he said.