Experience Advanced Care for Hand Numbness Across NYC

We provide accessible, top-quality care at our Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island offices, using advanced diagnostics and the latest minimally invasive techniques. Each patient benefits from a collaborative team approach focused on uncovering the root cause of symptoms and creating a treatment plan that supports lasting function and relief. Led by Dr. Michael Gerling, a board-certified, fellowship-trained spine surgeon with decades of clinical and academic leadership, our institute is nationally recognized for its spinal and nerve care innovation.

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What Causes Hand Numbness?

Hand numbness typically results from nerve compression or irritation along the cervical spine, arm, or wrist. Common causes include:

  • Cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerves in the neck)
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Peripheral neuropathy (often related to diabetes or systemic illness)
  • Thoracic outlet syndrome
  • Cubital tunnel syndrome
  • Repetitive strain or overuse injuries
  • Herniated discs or cervical spine degeneration

When nerves are compressed or inflamed, communication between the brain and hands becomes disrupted, leading to symptoms such as:

  • Tingling
  • Burning
  • Complete loss of sensation

When Is Hand Numbness a Sign of Something More Serious?

Not all numbness is cause for concern, but certain red flags suggest a need for prompt medical attention. We recommend seeking care if your hand numbness:

  • Lasts for days or progressively worsens
  • Occurs with weakness, pain, or clumsiness
  • Develops suddenly without an obvious trigger
  • Impacts both hands or spreads up the arm
  • Disrupts tasks like writing, gripping, or buttoning a shirt

These symptoms may indicate:

  • Cervical spine disease
  • Nerve entrapment
  • Progressive nerve damage

Early diagnosis is key to preventing long-term complications.

Conditions We Treat That Cause Hand Numbness

Our specialists diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions that contribute to numbness and sensory changes in the hands, including:

  • Cervical radiculopathy
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Disc herniation or disc degeneration
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Thoracic outlet syndrome
  • Ulnar nerve entrapment
  • Brachial plexus injuries
  • Peripheral neuropathy
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How We Diagnose the Root Cause of Hand Numbness

Our evaluation process begins with a detailed consultation and physical exam, followed by advanced testing to pinpoint the exact origin of your symptoms. Diagnostic tools may include:

  • MRI or CT imaging
  • Electromyography (EMG)
  • Nerve conduction studies (NCS)
  • Diagnostic nerve blocks
  • Functional and neurological assessments

This comprehensive approach ensures we accurately identify the source of nerve disruption—whether in the neck, shoulder, or extremity—so we can truly tailor your care plan.

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Why Choose Gerling Spine Care and Research Institute?

We deliver exceptional spine and nerve care from three convenient locations across New York City: Park Avenue on the Upper East Side, central Queens, and Staten Island. Patients turn to us for our depth of expertise and advanced offerings, including:

  • Board-certified, fellowship-trained specialists with extensive experience in complex nerve and spine conditions
  • Minimally invasive and regenerative treatment options that prioritize faster recovery and reduced downtime
  • State-of-the-art diagnostics for accurate, efficient evaluations
  • Individually tailored care plans based on your specific anatomy and lifestyle
  • Consistently excellent outcomes backed by low complication rates and high patient satisfaction

No matter which of our NYC offices you visit, you’ll receive the same high level of clinical precision, respect, and whole-person care that defines our institute.

Treatment, Recovery, and What to Expect

Your treatment plan may include:

  • Minimally invasive decompression procedures
  • Surgical repair or stabilization (for complex conditions)
  • Regenerative therapies such as biologics or nerve stimulation
  • Targeted physical therapy or occupational therapy
  • Lifestyle, ergonomic, and pain management strategies

Many patients begin to experience relief within weeks of initiating care, and their strength, coordination, and sensory function continue to improve over time.

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Contributing Factors and Additional Options

Pinpointing the type of nerve dysfunction helps refine treatment. Our care team identifies subtypes such as:

  • Mechanical compression (e.g., herniated discs, joint instability)
  • Entrapment neuropathies (e.g., carpal or cubital tunnel syndrome)
  • Systemic or metabolic causes (e.g., diabetes, autoimmune conditions)
  • Postural or repetitive strain injuries

This clarity helps guide the least invasive, most effective path to recovery, which may also include:

  • Spinal decompression surgery
  • Biologic injections or platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
  • Neuromuscular retraining or bracing
  • Ergonomic consultation and lifestyle modification
  • Chronic pain or inflammation management
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Take Back the Feeling in Your Hands

Hand numbness may start as a subtle nuisance, but over time, it can disrupt your routine, limit your abilities, and diminish your sense of well-being. If the sensation lingers or intensifies, it’s a sign your body is asking for attention, and we’re here to listen. At Gerling Spine Care and Research Institute, our team delivers expert, minimally invasive care from offices in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, Queens, and Staten Island, using advanced diagnostics and customized treatment plans to restore what numbness takes away. Contact us today to book your consultation.

We're here to help you move forward.

Relief starts with quality orthopedic care. Contact us today to take the next step toward a more active, pain-free life.

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