Why Can Numbness in the Right Face and Hand Improve with Upper Cervical and IMS Treatment?

by Son PMR(Physical medicine & Rehabilitation ) & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul

Some patients visit our clinic complaining of numbness or tingling in the right side of the face and hand, even without any history of trauma. While these symptoms may sometimes stem from peripheral nerve issues, they are often closely related to dysfunction in the upper cervical spine, particularly C1 to C3.

How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Facial and Hand Sensation

The upper cervical spine is a key intersection where multiple sensory and motor pathways converge:

  • The C2 nerve root is involved in sensation to the back of the head, temporal region, and sometimes the upper face.

  • The C3 and C4 nerves contribute to sensation in the neck, shoulders, and parts of the upper extremity.

  • Importantly, the spinal trigeminal nucleus, which processes facial sensation, extends down into the upper cervical spinal cord, especially around the C2–C3 level. This overlap allows cervical spine dysfunction to affect facial nerves.

Thus, a misalignment or functional disturbance in the upper cervical joints may indirectly impact facial and upper limb sensation through these neural connections.

How Upper Cervical Care Helps

Upper cervical chiropractic or manual adjustment may benefit these symptoms in the following ways:

  1. Neurological Reset
    Correcting misalignment in C1 or C2 may normalize nerve function at the brainstem and upper spinal cord level, reducing hyperexcitability or abnormal sensory transmission.

  2. Postural and Muscular Balance
    Asymmetry or overactivity in deep neck muscles can lead to nerve compression or irritation, which may be relieved through correction of cervical posture and alignment.

  3. Neuro-Muscular Recalibration
    Proper cervical alignment can improve integration between the vestibular, ocular, and spinal sensory systems, thereby alleviating distorted sensory input.

The Role of IMS (Intramuscular Stimulation)

IMS targets myofascial trigger points in deep muscles using a fine dry needle. In cases involving facial and hand numbness, IMS may be applied to muscles such as:

  • Scalenes

  • Sternocleidomastoid

  • Levator scapulae

This approach can:

  • Relieve deep muscle tension

  • Reduce nerve compression around the brachial plexus and cervical roots

  • Improve local circulation and neurochemical balance

By combining upper cervical correction and IMS, we aim to address both structural misalignment and muscular dysfunction, leading to improved nerve function and symptom relief.

Conclusion

When numbness affects the right side of the face and hand, we recommend considering not only peripheral nerve causes but also evaluating the upper cervical spine and related muscular tension.

At Son Cheolho Rehabilitation Medicine Clinic, we offer a comprehensive approach using upper cervical techniques and IMS therapy, tailored to each patient's neurological and musculoskeletal findings. 

👍Consultation and Appointment Information

Son PMR & Chiropractic Clinic( 2nd floor, 229-1 Gucheonmyun-Ro, Gangdongu, Seoul, South Korea) 

by  Dr Son MD & DC 
Contact: 02-482-8875 in Seoul( +82-2-482-8875)

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