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HI, JUST ABOUT AN HOUR AGO MY LEFT ARM STARTED
Question: HI, JUST ABOUT AN HOUR AGO MY LEFT ARM STARTED FEELING TINGLING AND A LITTLE HEAVY ALMOST LIKE IT FEELS IF IT WERE FALLING ASLEEP. I'M 165 LBS, EXERCISE, AND AM 37 SO I HOPE IT'S NOT A HEART ATTACK. ARE THERE OTHER AILMENTS THAT MIGHT CAUSE THIS? MAYBE A PINCHED NERVE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT? AGAIN, IT DOES NOT HURT, IT JUST KIND OF TINGLES AND FEELS LIKE IT MIGHT GO TO SLEEP. THANKS.
Brief Answer:
more likely related to the nerves in the area
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Tingling and a heavy sensation are more likely related to nerves in an area. A heart attack would normally have accompanying chest pain or shortness of breath or palpitations.
If you are experiencing any of these, you should be seen.
The nerves to the arm come via the neck then area around the shoulder then pass to the arm
If there are any issues with the neck or shoulder, then this can result in altered sensation such as tingling and heaviness.
This would be due to trauma to the nerve which can be temporary eg can be due to positioning in some cases. Arthritis of a joint can also cause this issue as well.
Altered function of nerves is called neuropathy and as mentioned, can be temporary.
Some other causes of neuropathy (besides trauma) are: diabetes, vitamin b12 or folate deficiency, liver or kidney disease or side effect of medication or exposure to toxins, thyroid disease.
These are not as common as minor trauma to the nerve
You can consider monitoring for now to see if the symptoms change, if there is no improvement or any worsening then you can consider seeing your doctor for an assessment. Imaging of the neck and shoulder by x ray, would be needed.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
more likely related to the nerves in the area
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Tingling and a heavy sensation are more likely related to nerves in an area. A heart attack would normally have accompanying chest pain or shortness of breath or palpitations.
If you are experiencing any of these, you should be seen.
The nerves to the arm come via the neck then area around the shoulder then pass to the arm
If there are any issues with the neck or shoulder, then this can result in altered sensation such as tingling and heaviness.
This would be due to trauma to the nerve which can be temporary eg can be due to positioning in some cases. Arthritis of a joint can also cause this issue as well.
Altered function of nerves is called neuropathy and as mentioned, can be temporary.
Some other causes of neuropathy (besides trauma) are: diabetes, vitamin b12 or folate deficiency, liver or kidney disease or side effect of medication or exposure to toxins, thyroid disease.
These are not as common as minor trauma to the nerve
You can consider monitoring for now to see if the symptoms change, if there is no improvement or any worsening then you can consider seeing your doctor for an assessment. Imaging of the neck and shoulder by x ray, would be needed.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks for that info. Today when I woke up I still have that feeling in the left arm and left hand but now also it moved to my right hand and a little up the right arm. I have noticed in the last couple of days my back has hurt off and on. So XRAYS can detect a pinched nerve/nerve damage? To me now it seems like somehow a pinched nerve might be the issue and I'll just monitor it/take Ibuprofen and if it does not go away maybe see a doctor in a week or so. Does that seem like a good plan to you? With this further insight would you agree that is might more than likely be a temp issue related to a pinched nerve? Thank you.
Brief Answer:
can use pain meds as needed
Detailed Answer:
HI
X rays can determine if there are any changes to the bones that can cause a pinched nerve. X rays would not visualize the nerves but would need if there are any structural changes to the bones where the nerves would normally be present that would cause the nerves to be compressed or affected in any way.
You can monitor for now to see if it improves and use pain meds as needed
can use pain meds as needed
Detailed Answer:
HI
X rays can determine if there are any changes to the bones that can cause a pinched nerve. X rays would not visualize the nerves but would need if there are any structural changes to the bones where the nerves would normally be present that would cause the nerves to be compressed or affected in any way.
You can monitor for now to see if it improves and use pain meds as needed
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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