Question
I was brushing my teeth this morning and right after I was finished, I noticed that the tip of my right thumb was numb. I was brushing in a hurry and gripping my toothbrush a little tighter than I normally do. When I press on my thumb, it tingles. It's been like this all day. Will this go away on its own, or do I need to see someone?

Thank you!

Answer
Dear Kelli,

Numbness in the tip of the thumb could be the result of a bruised nerve in the tip of the thumb, but it could also be the result of other issues... the most severe of which could be stroke. The important thing is to consider whether or not you have other symptoms, such as dizziness, numbness on one side of your face or body, tingling sensations on half the body, headaches, neck pain, loss of memory, blurry vision, hearing changes, memory changes, issues with communication... etc.  If any of this exists, seek immediately.

Another possibility is nerve compression/irritation at the neck. When this is happening, the numbness might be affected by certain neck positions.

I hope that is goes away for you quickly.

Keith Biggs, DC
http://www.eastmesachiropractor.com