K-ClinicNumb Fingers and Neck Pain: Cervical Disc, Dr.Google Korea
Dr.Google Pain Medicine in Anyang, Korea lists shoulder and neck pain, pain inside the shoulder blade, numb arms or fingers and dropping things as common signs of a cervical disc herniation, but numb fingers can also come from carpal tunnel syndrome or an elbow nerve problem, which a doctor must tell apart by examination. Before your visit, write down which fingers are numb and which postures make it worse, and prepare your imaging and medication list from home.
Neck and shoulder pain plus numb hands: do not blame posture alone
Looking down at your phone or working at a computer for hours makes neck and shoulder aches almost a daily experience. But if the ache will not go away and comes with pain inside the shoulder blade, or numbness in your arm or fingers, it is worth having a specialist take a look.
Dr.Google Pain Medicine lists these as common signs of a cervical disc herniation. This guide explains how to prepare and describe your symptoms before visiting in Korea if you recognise them.
To be clear, this is not a self-diagnosis. K-Clinic only summarises the clinic's published information, and whether it is a neck problem is always decided by the doctor after examination.
The 4 signs the clinic lists
According to the clinic, a cervical disc herniation commonly feels like this:
- Neck and shoulder pain that will not go away: a night's sleep does not fix it.
- Pain inside the shoulder blade: on the back, on the side of the shoulder blade closer to the spine.
- Numb arm or fingers: note which fingers and which side.
- Dropping things: a weak grip, cups or phones slipping from your hand.
The last one is often overlooked. If you notice you drop things more easily than before, be sure to tell the doctor, as it affects the direction of the examination.
Numb fingers are not always from the neck
The clinic also stresses that numb fingers can come from carpal tunnel syndrome or an elbow nerve problem, which a doctor must tell apart by examination.
So the more specific your description, the better. Is the whole hand numb, or only from the thumb to the middle finger? Is it worse at night in bed, or only after looking down for a long time? These clues are not for diagnosing yourself, but so that the doctor spends less time asking and more time examining.
Before you leave: imaging, medication list, symptom notes
Based on the clinic's preparation list, we suggest you bring:
- MRI, CT, X-ray images or records from your doctor at home, on a disc or as files.
- Medication you take, especially anticoagulants and painkillers. Tell the clinic first.
- Notes on the numbness: which side, which fingers, and what movement makes it worse.
You can still enquire without imaging. Whether you need to get images taken first or can be examined at the clinic, please confirm when you contact us.
The first visit and treatment method
The first visit includes an interview, a physical examination and imaging, and treatment can be given the same day if appropriate. The doctor in charge is Director Koo Jae-won (구재원), an anesthesiology and pain medicine specialist with a medical doctorate.
The clinic confirms the nerve and treatment position with C-arm imaging and injects with an extremely fine MTS microneedle; steroids are used only after careful consideration and are avoided wherever possible. The clinic also explains that where there is no progressive paralysis, non-surgical treatment such as injections can be considered first.
After treatment most people can walk the same day and can rest in the day ward before returning to their accommodation. Please check your flight time with the doctor first.
Opening hours: Mon, Fri 09:30–20:00, Tue 14:30–20:00, Wed 09:30–19:00, Sat 09:30–14:00, closed Thursdays and Sundays. Address: Downtown Building, 214 Simin-daero, Dongan-gu, Anyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, 7th floor (treatment rooms) and 8th floor (ward), about a 5-minute walk from Beomgye Station on Line 4, with parking in the building.
Common questions from international patients
Q. My neck and hand both hurt. Which department should I see first?
The clinic treats cervical disc herniation and also pain in the shoulders and elbows. Please send us your symptoms to find out which department is right.
Q. Is it worth going if only one finger is numb?
You can ask for a consultation. Whether it comes from the neck, the carpal tunnel or an elbow nerve must be told apart by the doctor.
Q. How much does it cost?
The clinic does not publish prices. Please confirm the cost at the consultation.
Book Dr.Google Pain Medicine through K-Clinic
To find out why your hand is numb and your neck and shoulders hurt, use the Request booking button or the live chat on this website for a free consultation.
Send us where you are numb, how long it has lasted, your imaging from home and the medication you take. We check visit time slots and whether your length of stay is enough with the clinic. Once the booking is made, we tell you your arrival time and the address.
The number of pain treatment sessions differs from person to person, and actual treatment depends on the examination. The clinic does not publish prices, so please confirm the cost at the consultation.
Frequently asked questions
What are the common signs of a cervical disc herniation?
Dr.Google Pain Medicine lists shoulder and neck pain, pain inside the shoulder blade, numb arms or fingers, and dropping things. Whether it is a neck problem is judged by the doctor after examination.
Are numb fingers always caused by the neck?
No. The clinic explains that numb fingers can also come from carpal tunnel syndrome or an elbow nerve problem, and a doctor must tell them apart by examination.
Does a cervical disc herniation always need surgery?
The clinic judges a disc herniation by MRI, symptoms and whether there is muscle weakness, and where there is no progressive paralysis it may first consider non-surgical treatment such as injections. The actual direction depends on the examination.
How do I book Dr.Google Pain Medicine through K-Clinic?
Use the Request booking button on this website or the live chat to tell K-Clinic where you are numb, your imaging and how long you can stay. We confirm visit days with the clinic and send your arrival time and address once the booking is made.
Clinics in this article
About 5 min walk from Beomgye Station (Line 4)
