Numb hands from a disc pressing on a nerve in the neck

Infographic on cervical radiculopathy showing the neck vertebrae and a nerve running down to the hand

Numbness in the hands can be caused by a herniated disc in the neck (cervical spine), or elsewhere along the nerves that control movement and feeling in the hand. It can show up in several ways.

Common symptoms

  1. Numbness, or a burning feeling in the hand or fingertips
  2. Weakness in the hand or arm muscles, making everyday tasks harder
  3. Pain in the arm or shoulder that may spread down to the hand
  4. Changes in sensation, such as feeling unusually cold or hot

Treatment options

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe the symptoms are. It may include:

  • Medication, such as painkillers, steroids or anti-inflammatories
  • Physiotherapy to restore movement and strength
  • Changing daily habits, such as avoiding activities that make symptoms worse
  • Surgery, if other treatments haven’t helped or symptoms are severe

This page is general information, not a diagnosis or personal treatment advice. If you have symptoms, please see a doctor.

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