Expert: Gerald Anzalone, D.C. - 7/8/2010

Question
I have had numbness in my thumb and index finger of my left hand for about two weeks now.  I am in the process of going to see a chiropractor next week some time.  There is no pain involved.  I have also noticed that my left bicep is much weaker than the right while lifting at the gym.  The left bicep seems to go lifeless when trying to lift.  I have not been back to the gym since that experience and I have just done some light exercise.  What is this and is there anything I can do for it before going to see a chiropractor.  Thank you

Answer
Peter,

Thank you for your question.

I can't recommend a specific treatment until you have a diagnosis for your problem, which on the face of it sounds like it may be related to a disc herniation in your neck. Plain film x-rays to evaluate for pathology would be a good first step, but MRI is required to evaluate for disc herniation. Your chiropractor should test your muscle strength, reflexes, and skin sensation in addition to performing orthopedic tests of the neck and upper limbs as part of the initial evaluation.

Please see this link for additional information:

http://www.spine-health.com/conditions/herniated-disc/cervical-herniated-disc-sy...