Tingling in thumb (primarily)

by Jonathan
(Melbourne, Australia)

I experience a tingling in my thumbs (mainly the fleshy, meaty part that connects it to the hand), that leaves me incapable of holding things properly (pens, cups, etc). The tingling is in my thumbs but I often cannot move my fingers anyway because the feeling is so intense. It often occurs in both thumbs at once. I feel like this is more of a placebo/psychological effect. I say this because it often comes about when I think about it too much (as I type this now and think about my symptoms, I can feel the slightest tingle in my hands).

It usually doesn't last very long (around a minute) and it is often weeks or even months between periods that I get it. On a few of the occurrences, the tingling sensation spread to my arm (I believe it was along the biceps side of my arm). I'm a very ticklish person and I'm often cracking up or laughing whenever it happens.

It is a VERY euphoric feeling (kind of like you-know-what). When I twiddle my thumbs during as it happens, it seems to excite my nerves even more and makes it last longer. It goes away after a short period of sitting there with my hands relaxed and open, and often after my laughing has subsided as I try to take control of the situation.

I recently visited a doctor about it and he said it wasn't CTS. He said he wasn't sure what it was but he recommended taking some dietary supplementation (mainly for my joints which I mentioned sometimes hurt), but he said it MAY help with the thumb problem.

I am currently a 19-year-old male, and I am relatively fit. I haven't eaten KFC, McDonald's and those kinds of junk foods in about a year, though I will occasionally eat unhealthy foods (never binging though). This thumb problem is something that has occurred since BEFORE 2008, but I'm not sure when it started. I have a feeling it started even before I hit my teens. I should also emphasize that it isn't a common thing; it only happens once every few months on average. I've probably gone more than half a year without it occurring at the moment, and I submit these symptoms to you out of curiosity/concern for my health.

Hello Jonathan,
I would agree with your doctor, this is not carpal tunnel.

However, the C6 dermatome should include the index finger.

Press hard in the upper mid forearm. Sore? The median nerve travels between the bellies of the Pronator teres muscle and is sometimes pinched there.

You mention no neck pain. Right?

Only a thorough examination, Jonathan of your neck and the nervous system will determine where the problem is. It's obviously not very trying right now, but you're young and ultimately it will probably start to affect the motor system, then your thumb becomes weak.

I would recommend an X-ray of your lower neck and a visit to a local experienced chiropractor. Ask your doc for a name.

Dr B


Thank you for your time, and thank you again in advance for any help you may provide.