What would cause one's hand to become numb?

Seek the advice of a Neurologist, promptly.

Then fire your doctor. That is unacceptable diagnostic technique.

But first deal with nerve issues. If you indeed have a pinched nerve in neck, the hand issue is a referred one; similarly, sciatica (pain radiating down the leg) is triggered by a herniated disc in lower back.

Pinched nerve in the neck will do it, as the nerves in your hand are branched from those around the lower cervical and upper thoracic vertebrae in your neck. I would call your doctor and see if he would refer you to see a physical therapist. I hope you’re able to resolve this soon.

Yes, a pinched nerve sounds right. I’ve spent years going to a chiropractor. One can manipulate your neck to relieve that pressure & get you back to normal. You may want to consider that venue, too.

If it’s your left hand and your doctor didn’t immediately do a work up on your heart then you need a new doctor.

Common causes are carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, and cervical disc impingement.

Definitely get a thorough check up
it also could be restricted blood flow.

My aunt had this happen. She’s a secretary and ended up having elbow trouble from work. The nerve that runs through the elbow was pinched and they ended up carving a groove in her bone to give the nerve room, and then she was fine. She just has to sleep with her arm straight, not bent.

This is not to say it’s your problem! I don’t know. It’s just another possibility to consider.

Just because your doctor has M.D. behind his name does not automatically qualify him as a person who is ethical in his practice, nor does it mean that he cannot be fired promptly. This is gross negligence. Please see a neurologist, Theby. There are many reasons for experiencing numbness, and many of those are not good. Please DO get this checked out before permanent damage can take a greater foothold. And fire that snake oil saleman of a doctor you have currently.

I love the fact everyone is dissing the doctor for not examining @Theby, and then trying to diagnose the problem without being able to examine @Theby.

You can also pinch a nerve where it goes through the armpit. In addition, if you happen to be diabetic you need to check on peripheral neuropathy.

In any case, you do need to do something about it to make certain it doesn’t become a permanent situation or so you don’t lose muscle mass. That’s what happened to my husband when his doctor didn’t do anything about his hand numbness and pain. He lost muscles in his hands so that he can no longer use chopsticks.

You may want to get a second opinion, or at the very least go back to your doctor and do your best to get through to him that this is a problem, that it is interfering with your life, and you need to know what is going on and what, if anything, can be done about it.

@filmfann I wasn’t dissing his doctor. And I wasn’t trying to diagnose him. He asked a question of what could cause hand numbness and I answered.

@filmfann “Everyone”? Hardly.