Left Hand Numbness and Neck Burning: Which Specialist to Consult?

Numbness in the left hand and a burning sensation in the cervical spine?

Hello doctor, my left ring finger and little finger initially had a numb sensation, and recently I visited a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner who said that there is a herniation at the cervical vertebrae C6-C7.
After the treatment, I started to feel numbness in my left upper arm as well, and my left hand feels tight, with a burning sensation in my neck.
Which specialty should I consult, and what treatment should I seek? Thank you.

Sun, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/04/21

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello, based on your description, your symptoms may be related to cervical disc herniation.
Symptoms often worsen with coughing or sneezing, which can exacerbate nerve root pain.
A disc protruding posteriorly or posterolaterally can compress the nerve roots, leading to clinical symptoms.
Similarly, degeneration of the posterior lateral cervical joints and osteophyte formation (bone spurs) can also compress the nerve roots.
It is unclear if there has been any injury or prolonged improper posture; clinically, the areas of numbness can serve as a reference for localization.

Cervical nerve root involvement at the sixth cervical vertebra can cause numbness in the thumb, while involvement at the seventh cervical vertebra can lead to numbness in the index and middle fingers.
Involvement at the eighth cervical vertebra can cause numbness in the middle, ring, and little fingers.
Approximately one-quarter of patients with cervical disc herniation experience not only numbness but also sensory loss, and one-third may experience muscle weakness.

Diagnosis typically requires various examinations, including clinical neurological assessments, electromyography (EMG), somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs), cervical X-rays, and possibly cervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Treatment for cervical disc herniation is determined based on the severity of pain and the degree of nerve root or spinal cord compression.
Most symptoms are temporary and respond well to conservative treatments (such as medications and physical therapy).
If symptoms persist after 6 to 12 weeks of treatment, surgical intervention may need to be considered.

I recommend consulting with a neurologist or a rehabilitation physician to discuss further evaluation and treatment options.
Wishing you good health and well-being.

Reply Date: 2016/04/21

More Info

Based on your symptoms of left hand numbness, particularly in the ring and little fingers, along with a burning sensation in your neck, it is essential to approach this situation with a comprehensive understanding of potential underlying issues. The symptoms you describe suggest possible nerve involvement, particularly the ulnar nerve, which is responsible for sensation in the ring and little fingers. Additionally, the burning sensation in your neck could indicate cervical spine issues, possibly related to a herniated disc or cervical radiculopathy.

Given these symptoms, the most appropriate specialists for you to consult would be a neurologist and an orthopedic spine specialist. A neurologist can evaluate the nerve function and determine if there is any nerve compression or damage that is causing your symptoms. They may perform nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG) to assess the function of the ulnar nerve and other nerves in your arm.

On the other hand, an orthopedic spine specialist can evaluate your cervical spine through imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI. These imaging techniques will help identify any structural issues, such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis, that may be compressing the nerves exiting the cervical spine and leading to your symptoms.

In terms of treatment, it will depend on the underlying cause identified by the specialists. If a herniated disc or cervical radiculopathy is confirmed, conservative treatments may include physical therapy, which can help strengthen the neck and shoulder muscles, improve posture, and alleviate pressure on the nerves. Physical therapy may involve exercises, manual therapy, and modalities such as heat or electrical stimulation.

In some cases, if conservative management does not provide relief, more invasive treatments such as corticosteroid injections may be considered to reduce inflammation and pain. Surgery may be an option if there is significant nerve compression that does not respond to conservative treatments.

It's also important to address any lifestyle factors that may contribute to your symptoms. Ergonomic adjustments at your workstation, proper posture, and regular breaks during activities that involve repetitive motions can help prevent further strain on your neck and arms.

In summary, I recommend that you consult both a neurologist and an orthopedic spine specialist to comprehensively evaluate your symptoms. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial to prevent potential complications and improve your quality of life. If you experience any worsening symptoms, such as increased pain, weakness, or changes in bowel or bladder function, seek immediate medical attention.

Similar Q&A

Effective Treatments for Left Hand Numbness and Neck Tension

If you are experiencing numbness in your left hand and feel tightness in your neck, which has persisted for several months, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. You may consider seeing a neurologist to evaluate potential nerve issues or a physical therapist for m...

Dr. Lai Yanting reply Rehabilitation
Is the left hand numbness due to weakness or a tingling sensation? Did the tightness in the neck and hand numbness occur simultaneously? Common causes include myofascial pain syndrome or nerve compression. It is recommended to consult a rehabilitation specialist for further evalu...

Neck Pain, Numbness, and Facial Twitching: When to Seek Advanced Care

Initially, I experienced tightness in my shoulders and neck along with numbness in my hands (more severe in the right hand). Subsequently, I began to feel numbness in my left foot, and the muscles on both sides of my neck occasionally feel like electric currents running through t...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello, Sir: You mentioned experiencing "tingling in the left foot" and "intermittent electric shock-like sensations and pain in the muscles on both sides of the neck (right side)." Based on your description, it may be necessary to consider cervical spine disor...

Understanding Neurological Symptoms: Which Specialist to Consult First?

Over the past year, I have often felt very anxious. A month ago, due to extreme stress, I experienced a cool and tingling sensation on the left side of my occipital region, accompanied by numbness on the left side of my body. This sensation is most pronounced in the morning upon ...

Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine
Hello, your symptoms are quite broad, but they also have many neurological manifestations. Therefore, I recommend that you first consult a neurologist to check for issues such as nerve root compression in the upper spinal cord. If the examination shows no significant abnormalitie...

Which Specialist Should I See for My Left Back and Arm Numbness?

I apologize for the inconvenience, but I'm unsure which outpatient department I should visit. Please assist me, thank you. For the past two months, I have been experiencing a tingling sensation in my left back (approximately in the area where the left arm rotates backward, n...

Dr. Cai Xingzhi reply Surgery
Hello: 1. If you are experiencing numbness in the back of your left hand due to extending your left arm during shoulder movements, it may be caused by nerve compression, leading to abnormal sensations of tingling and numbness. In this case, please consult a neurologist or a neuro...