Question
hi, i have numbness in my first three fingers, thumb, pointer,and middle, with some pain in my wrist and hand. i have no neck pain or arm pain. my hand surgeon says i have carpal tunnel, but a emg test really doesnt show it, it shows that there might be a problem with a c5 nerve is it possible to have carpal tunnel if a emg doesnt show it. also will a c5 nevre problem cause numbness in those fingers and wrist and hand pain

Answer
Hi joe,

This is a common description.  Usually the area you've mentioned is the C6 dermatome.  In any case, you should have an xray of the lower neck/upper back to see if there are any degenerative (wear and tear arthritis) changes as these can cause nerve irritation even without neck symptoms.

Many orthopedists will tell you that CTS is a "double crush syndrome".  Compromise at the neck along with the wrist cause the problem.  Not just one area.

You might consider consulting with a chiropractic doctor in conjunction with the hand doc.  The chiro might be able to reduce mechanical pressure on the nerves.  I work with medical doctors all the time for the good of the patient.

Hope this helps.

God bless, Dr Pendergraft