Expert: Heather Vandeburg L.Ac M.S.O.M. dipl.Ac - 6/16/2008

Question
Four months ago I saw my acupuncturist for  treatment for numbness in both hands and arms, tingling and loss of sensation both at night and during the daytime.  I had 2 treatments which totally relieved the numbness, however within days of the second treatment my thumb on my right hand began to loose mobility.  When I use my hand for everyday activities such as turning the key to start my vehicle the first joint near the tip of the thumb is now popping out of it's socket. I then have to manipulate it back into position which is very painful and limiting in my activities.  The first treatment I received I had needles in my right hand that were extremely painful and my hand was black with the bruise.  The loss of sensation began shortly after.  Could the nerve to my thumb be damaged and what can be done for it?  I am afraid that leaving it to see if it will heal will cause irreversible damage to the joint.

Answer
Hi Dawn,
Without seeing you or reviewing your case completely it is hard to make a determination.  Brusing can happen with acupuncture, veins are like landmines. Was you Acupuncturist stimulating the needles a lot by hand? Sometimes This type of agressive stimulation of the needle can cause nerve inflammation and even damage. I would say the best thing to do is talk with your acupuncturist about the situation. There are treatments to help.


Hope this helps,

Heather Vandeburg LAc MSOM