Disease process originating in the neck can cause pain in the hand; there are nerves that leave the spinal cord travel down your arms into the hand. Compression on these nerves in your neck can cause radiating hand pain. The nerve compression can be caused by narrowing of the spinal canal, ruptured disc pressing on the nerves in the neck, or chemical irritation of the nerve.
There are many causes for neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain is due to damage or injury to small nerve fibers. Pain is usually sharp, burning, and shooting in nature. Patients may experience pain to non-painful stimulus.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome typically effects the hand, thumb, and first two fingers of the hand. Pain may feel sharp, aching, and shooting. Patients may experience tingling as well. Pain is typically due to compression of the median nerve as it enters the wrist.
This pain syndrome is commonly misdiagnosed is a form of chronic pain that effects arms and legs. Typically develops after an injury, surgery, stroke or heart attack, but the pain is out of proportion to the severity of the initial injury. This can lead to symptoms of swelling, hair growth or loss, skin and finger nail changes, temperature changes, loss of function and severe pain to touch.