When I crack my neck sometimes it causes my right thigh or left hand to go numb temporarily. What gives?
Answer: You're pinching a nerve in your spinalcord. Either stop what you are doing or modify it A LOT. Use a massager like a Biomedics. You're going to wind up slobbering in a wheelchair. Get with the program. Good thing you asked. It's not a dumb question..
Well, when you crack you neck, you must remember you're cracking you spine (grossly put).
You must remember that inside the vertebrae is the spinal cord:
"The spinal cord is a long, thin, tubular bundle of nerves that is an extension of the central nervous system from the brain and is enclosed in and protected by the bony vertebral column. The main function of the spinal cord is transmission of neural inputs between the periphery plus the brain. "
Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spinal_cord
By cracking your neck, you may be blocking some information that is on it's way to your brain, causing your thigh and hand to go numb (loss of sensitivity).
It's like "shutting down" a part of your body for a little period of time.
(for example: people who suffer damage in their spinal cord loose sensitivity in some limbs and the ability to move them).
I recommend you don't repeat that and see a neurologist about it, because it might also be a small herniated nerve (or "pinched nerve" as priorly mentioned).
Take care..
Well, first of all, try not to do that! If you feel the urge, its probably a pinched nerve. Sometimes pinched nerves can become permanent and painful without medical attention. Other times, the nerve is so close that it is temporarily "stunned" or "triggered" (I dont know the proper medical terms).
If you're cracking your neck frequently and this problem persists, I would see a general MD. Otherwise, you may also want to see a Neurologist for more serious effects..
Your spinal cord travels through your neck. When you "crack" it you are probably putting an abnormal amount of pressure on it. This is most likely blocking the normal nerve impulses coming from your left hand or your right thigh.
You are probably better off not cracking it that hard, especially if you have had some sort of trauma to your neck in the past. If this becomes more of an issue, you should probably let your doctor know. .
I am not a Doctor, but it sounds to me like you are pinching a nerve in your spine (when you do whatever it is that you do) - it is this that causes numbness or tingling. Rhys is right. You prob are pinching a nerve. I suggest you never "crack" your neck. If you feel the need for an adjustment..go see a chiropractor.