Odd numbness in my left hand

[OUCaptain]

I know....get a new chair.

Here's the deal. I've got one of those leather high back desk chairs that I've had for over five years. For the last few months, my left hand goes partially numb after only an hour or so of sitting. It's only half of hand that goes numb. Mainly my pinkie and ring finger and back to my wrist. After a short time of sitting, seemingly in any position, it goes numb and stays that way for up to 12 hrs. I know, I need a new chair, but I'm still wondering whats going on. I though it's a pinched nerve, but how would a nerve in my leg or rear end make my hand go numb but nothing else. My arms are usually in a variety of positions Anyone got any ideas?

 

[ElFenix]

you're compressing the artery in your shoulder.

 

[GenHoth]

Does it have an arm rest or a desk you always use? There are nerves all over so you might be pinching the one in your wrist.

 

[OUCaptain]

It does have an armrest, but I don't always use it. Like tonight, I've spent most of the time with both my arms resting on the desk.

ElFenix, could you elaborate a bit. What would cause this to just pop up? I havn't had any injuries.

Edit: more importantly, is there anything I can do other than get a new chair (if that is in fact the cause)?

 

[GenHoth]

I don't think it is your artery. That would cause it to go to sleep, not be numb and would effect far more than part of your hand. Certainly not for 12 hours. I'd recommend getting a pad of some sort for the arm rests and edge of the desk. See if that sorts it out.
Watch your posture, see if keeping an eye on the position of your hands and maintaining proper form keeps the numbness away.

 

[SludgeFactory]

It sounds like ulnar nerve compression. Like GenHoth, I'd suspect arm rests first. The ulnar nerve is somewhat vulnerable at the inside of the elbow (your funny bone). It runs the length of your arm, from neck to fingers. Text

If it's not that, make sure you're not holding your arm funny up at the shoulder or doing something weird with your neck. You might need to consider other activities you're doing too. An example of what can happen at the wrist if you ride a bike. Try to think of things you might be doing where you're putting sustained pressure on the wrist, inner elbow, or armpit.

 

[OUCaptain]

Originally posted by: SludgeFactory
It sounds like ulnar nerve compression. Like GenHoth, I'd suspect arm rests first. The ulnar nerve is somewhat vulnerable at the inside of the elbow (your funny bone). It runs the length of your arm, from neck to fingers. Text

If it's not that, make sure you're not holding your arm funny up at the shoulder or doing something weird with your neck. You might need to consider other activities you're doing too. An example of what can happen at the wrist if you ride a bike. Try to think of things you might be doing where you're putting sustained pressure on the wrist, inner elbow, or armpit.

Damn. now that you mention it, I've noticed some tenderness right on the funny bone spot but never put two and two together. When I just rubbed it, the numbness got worse. I havn't been putting any pressure on it that I know of but I'll be keeping a closer eye on it now. Guess I'd better switch to the right hand for a while as well.

Thanks guys

 

[madh83]

Yea, it's a nerve being compressed. I would like to add that you may want to consider getting yourself x-rayed too. A lot of nerve compression can be due misalignment in your spine from an injury.

 

[KeyserSoze]

It's probably your "Ulnar Nerve". What is also known as the "funny bone", when you hit your elbow, and you get that tingling? Well, that same nerve that is being hit then, is what's being "pinched", and causes that numbness.

I had the same feeling/sensation whenever I woke up for the longest time. I had it checked by a Physical Therapist, and they said it was nothing major. They gave me an IFC (Or was it an ICF), but a little dohookie that shocked the nerve in my arm. Very low level, and I did it for a few months, just like three times a week on my own time, for about 15 minutes at a time.

In Phys. Ther., my doc told me to avoid keeping my elbow on hard surfaces and to keep it extended as much as possible. (She made a contraption to help me sleep without keeping my elbow contracted. Just a velcro strip with a towel wrapped around my elbow.)

So, that's my guess. Disclaimer: I'm not a doctor, or any profession involving medical problems



KS