I dont' hand quilt but also have the numbness trouble... in both hands, wrists.... this happens alot when I am machine quilting if the quilt is a large one especially or if I forget to relax! It also happens when I am on the phone too long and have to keep switching hands holding on to the receiver. And if I run the rotary cutter for hours and hours cutting out a quilt top.
I bought myself a wrist band also....it helps but I should have bought two! LOL
My working years were all secretarial with the exception of bartending for a couple years .... I do think it has alot to do with what you do for a living...JMHO