Tingling in arms and hands esp from top of right shoulder down to thumb and index finger.

by Darlene Buchanan
(Wheatland, Wyoming, USA)

TINGLING IN ARMS AND HANDS
This occurs several times a day with no set pattern. Has been occurring for the last month. I am female, age 61. Is this something I need to see a doctor about or just an annoyance of old age that I need to adjust to?

Hello Darlene,
Yes, I'm afraid it is something that needs attention. It may go away of its own accord, but it's likely that you have wear and tear in the so-called "joints of Luschka" in your neck (punch this term into the Search this site at C-H) and it is affecting the C6 nerve root.

Neglected the tingling will probably turn to pain, sometimes an excruciating ache, and weakness and numbness in your arm.

The first step is an X-rays series, important: including "obliques" which visualise the foramen where the nerve emerges.

I'm biased of course, and recommend you consult a local experienced and competent chiropractor, but that's your choice. It's a condition we treat all the time. Better than surgery, huh!

But we warned, there is no magical click that will fix this problem in one treatment, either medical or chiropractic.

I hope this has contributed.