My right hand is tingling and numb

[Trivium Academy]

I've been moving boxes, I've been lifting heavy things everyday for over a week- could that be why my right hand (only) is tingling and numb? It feels like it's falling asleep all the time- driving, when I sleep b/c I put my hands under my pillow, even now typing. It's not in the little finger at all but it feels like it's from the middle of my right hand to the fingertips. It's painful at night, it keeps me from getting comfortable.

Is it from all the heavy lifting and carrying? I worked very hard for two days, almost constantly scrubbing- I wonder if I hurt myself in some way? I've also been using many tools lately, like screwdrivers and hammers. You know, typical moving in/out stuff but this time I've been doing it all myself b/c dh cannot help.

I don't know but is there anything I can do? No insurance, no Dr. (yet). This is a little scary.

Thanks :001_smile:

[Michelle in MO]

a little carpal tunnel syndrome? Especially since you said you've been using a lot of tools lately, then on top of that you've been moving boxes and unpacking, etc.

How much more unloading and unpacking do you have to do? It might be that just simple rest would help.

I hurt my back once by unloading lots and lots of boxes when we moved, and when I took a few days off from unpacking, my back was fine again. I also developed a temporary case of carpal tunnel when I was pregnant with my second daughter---I was a little swollen, and the swelling pressed on those nerves in my hand. It went away after she was born.

You might try rest first (you're probably thinking, "Ha! How am I going to do that?")---maybe the kids can help unpack? However, if it really hurts, I would ask around for a doctor's recommendation from your new neighbors and go ahead and consult a doctor.

I hope it gets better! Having this problem crop up when you're trying to move is such a pain!

[Pata]

Jessica--

My dh had some something similar to what you are describing after a rear end collision and it ended up being a slipped disk. Do you also have numbness/pain along the back of your arm(tricepts area) also? He had this as well. His doctor said no more heavy lifting, rest and listen to your body. When the numbness and pain gets worse, stop doing what your doing and rest. I hope that it's just a pinched nerve or something simple that will get better with rest. I know what it's like to have no insurance and no doctor, you will be in my prayers. Keep us posted and hope you feel better!

[TraceyS/FL]

I have tendonitis in my elbow - severe - and it makes my hand go asleep in the middle of the night. I have to change positions - sometimes it's only when i sleep on my right side.

I'd try some Aleeve and TRY to take it easy for a few days and see if it helps.

BUT, unless you are going to NOT have a break in your coverage that will take care of any pre-existing events, try NOT to go to the doctor. I only say this because if they deem it preexisting - then you won't get ANY coverage for it. And, in the wrist/hand/elbow area - that can get expensive.

Lets talk about that aspect more - when did your old coverage terminate? Normally it goes thru the month. So even though DH left on say June 5, you would normally have coverage the whole month. "Most" policies i have seen won't t-bone you for preexisting if you have a gap not bigger than 61 days. You need to find that out on the new policy. Your old coverage should send you a letter to send to the new company with dates of coverage. THen you will be good.

So back to the wrist, Aleeve and rest - PLEASE.... hopefully you have just overdone it.

::hug::

[Trivium Academy]

No back pain, my neck/shoulder muscles were a bit sore a couple of days ago but I used ThermaCare and they are better now. It was the right shoulder muscles that hurt the most though. I haven't had insurance or seen a doctor since ds4's birth (hanging head in shame). I need to go just for a check-up but I have to find a doctor that will take uninsured patients.

Rest. Sigh. I don't know if I know how to do that. Lol! I still have many boxes of books to unpack, including finishing setting up our learning room b/c we HAVE to get back to lessons. How long should I rest from lifting/carrying? I do have one box I can work out of that has all our necessary items. I have lightweight stuff I can do like clothes and organizing bathrooms.

How do you rest? Would that include not using that hand for a while or just stopping the extra activities I've been doing lately?

[TraceyS/FL]

I would suggest stopping - take a day or two OFF. Explore the new area? Take the kids and find an awesome park? To avoid doing MORE to it, you need take it easy.

Which, is about impossible when you are just moved. Do you have a smart trolley to put boxes on to move them? My mom uses a cheap luggage type of cart. Can DH lift anything yet?

Google around and see what you find on Carpal Tunnel & Tendonitis. I think you are at the Ice point - but i can't remember. Maybe run to WM/CVS/Wal Green and pick up some type of brace for it.

And hey - mine will be 4 in a few weeks and i haven't gone since either - and i've had sporadic insurance.

::hug::

[Trivium Academy]

THanks Tracy, I'll put a brace on it- dh has a few. He can't lift much, just everyday activity is painful for him still. He's still on vicodin but his physical therapy should be starting soon. We have a male friend coming over tonight, I'll get him to move whatever boxes I need moved and hopefully he'll take the 6-10 boxes of stuff I have for Goodwill that I planned to take this week including a 27" tv that's heavy.

I really hate being decommissioned, lol. I guess that's better than hurting myself worse though. ;)

[daisychics]

HEY Jessica!

My left arm and fingertips are still falling asleep on me (not as much anymore). I went to the doctor and she said it was nothing. HUH?! Anyways, I agree with everyone.... just rest. I know that's hard for you maniac cleaner/organizer. :D

I'm planning on seeing a chiropractor and/or go to physical therapy -- the days are just going by so quickly that when I remember to make an appt. it's too late.

I hope your loving your new home!! Take two of these :chillpill::chillpill: and call me in the morning. ;);)

[strider]

In my case it is because of scoliosis and even more specifically because a bone spur presses on a nerve. If it is really humid or I am in need of an adjustment the numbness happens more often and is worse.

My understanding is that this happens when a nerve is being pressed or subluxated in some way. If you can get to a chiropractor, that is your best chance to getting it figured out. If you need to hold off due to medical coverage or something, then you will have to rest, take anti-inflammatory drugs, and try icing your neck. Since you haven't had pain in the neck or spine it might be hard to figure out where to ice--you can just generally ice the neck, or another option is to have your dh feel your vertebrae very carefully to see if there is any point that is tender. Then try icing there.

The reason for the ice, etc., is to reduce inflammation. That is the whole key. As such you should take the anti-inflammatory drugs regularly, on a schedule, to keep the inflammation down, rather than basing it on whether or not you are in pain. Try this for several days and then ease off and see if your hand is any better.

[Melinda in VT]

I have periodic issues with carpal tunnel-like symptoms. (No official diagnosis.) Wearing a brace--especially at night--helps tremendously. Usually, after a few days, I can go to wearing the brace only at night, and then after a week or two, I can stop wearing it all together.

Until the next time I do something to aggrevate it. :tongue_smilie:

[Sophia]

I was having the kind of tingling you are describing in my legs, biceps and scalp a couple weeks ago.
I went to the Dr. because I have had blood clots before, and that's what it feels like before it starts.
He told me not only was it not blood clots, but it was probably just stress!!

You don't have any of that right now, do ya?;)

Something about stress causing an imbalance between oxygen and carbon dioxide that leads to the tingling.
.
Anyway, it has gradually subsided; hope you are doing better soon!

[Paula in MS]

This happened to me after a minor car accident a couple of years ago. My hand and arm was falling asleep easily and tingling at other times. The doctor said that strain/trauma to your neck (I did not have neck pain but was hit from behind) could cause this. He said that it had to do with the nerves in your neck. He said to take ibuprofen. It was better in a week. He also said it could be carpal tunnel but ruled it out due to the accident.

Because you are lifting the heavy boxes, it could be neck strain. It may just clear up on its own. Mine did.

Paula