Why Your Hand Goes Numb While Working at a Computer: Physiotherapist Explains

Prolonged sitting in one position at a computer often leads to numbness in the fingers, weakness, and even pain in the hand. However, according to experts, the source of the problem is not where the discomfort is felt. Physiotherapist Vladimir Karasenko explained where the true cause lies... reports the website infohub.kz.

According to the doctor, numbness in the arm is a signal from the body. The cause should be sought where the nerve is actually compressed. It can be compressed in three areas: in the wrist – carpal tunnel syndrome (numbness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers); in the elbow – cubital tunnel syndrome (numbness in the little and ring fingers); in the neck – nerve root compression (numbness in the entire arm, from shoulder to fingers).

How to test yourself at home? "Wrist test (carpal tunnel syndrome): bend your hand downward as if holding a phone and hold for a minute. If numbness increases, it's the wrist. Elbow test (ulnar nerve): bend your arm at the elbow at 90° and hold for a minute. If it goes numb, it's the elbow," the doctor said. As for the neck, you can check it by tilting your head to the side where the arm is numb. If numbness increases or even pain appears, the cause of hand numbness is in the neck.

What to do once you've found the cause? Karasenko notes: if the wrist is numb, you can change the position of your hand when using the mouse. It is also recommended to use an ergonomic keyboard and take breaks from work. If it's the elbow, don't keep your arm bent at 90° for hours, don't lean on your elbow while working, straighten your arm every 15–20 minutes, and take breaks. If the problem is in the neck, check the monitor height (the top third of the screen should be at eye level), don't push your head forward, and do the "chin tuck" exercise.

"If numbness recurs regularly, doesn't go away after changing posture, or if weakness appears in the arm, it's a reason to see a doctor," the physiotherapist emphasizes. Earlier, Karasenko explained why the whole body sometimes jerks just before falling asleep.