question-icon

What Causes Heaviness Sensation On Arms?

default
Posted on Wed, 22 Jun 2016
Question: Over the past month I have had an odd sensation in one or both of arms. I can best describe this feeling as one of heaviness that grows and builds as it travels down my arm(s). I am a 67 year old woman, in otherwise excellent health and on no medication.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vasudha (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Mostly nerve pressure problems due to cervical disc prolapse.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing to us. I have read your query & understood your problem.
* Your symptoms are typically neurological.. specially heaviness in both arms going down your arms.You seem to have pressure effects on nerves supplying hands because of herniated discs at cervical spine.mostly it's degenerative changes in spinal cord in advanced age.
- Alternatively it can be due to/ can be exaggerated by psychological stress/anxiety.
- Some times heart problems pose this way.. heaviness in both arms . But not likely in your case as it's mostly accompanied by heaviness in chest too ( & you don't have any such complaints )

* In this context I would advise to consult
- getting a through check up by a cardiologist is worth & should be done to exclude heart problem & be relaxed.
-a spinal surgeon for assessing your cervical spine . A physical examination/ investigations like X ray, CT scan or MRI would locate exact site & type of lesion you have in spine.The management would depend on the site & your symptoms.
* Management - Mostly you should be relieved by few physiotherapy exercises/ vitamin B12 supplements/ calcium & vitamin D to improve bony health.
Oral/ injectable anti inflammatory drugs/ steroids are needeed in more severe symptoms.
Surgery to relieve the pressure on nerve is final treatment.( used only when the symptoms are not controlled by palliative treatment.
* Life style changes with ..a high protein, vitamin & mineral diet/ daily light exercises / Regular physiotherapy( it's good that you are already doing cervical spinal rotation exercises to relieve the problem).. but specific exercises to strengthen certain muscles which would help in lessening the pressure symptoms are to be learnt from a physiotherapist./ sound sleep & +ve mentality
Reduction in weight helps symptom relief
I hope you found the answer both informative & helpful Any follow up query is welcome.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Vasudha (7 hours later)
Thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vasudha (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Thanks for the feedback.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for the feed back.
I know that you would proceed to investigate & confirm the cause & manage the problem well. Having a good health in advanced age is really appreciable.Managing present problem..you would definitely prevent future aggravation & would continue to be healthy through out your life.Wish you all the best for healthy, happy & satisfied life !
You are welcome for any follow up query in this thread & any other health query in future
I would request for grading the answer, in case you find it guiding ,before you close it.
Thanks.
Note: Get a consultation booked to know more about aging related medical issues. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Vasudha

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1970

Answered : 10388 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Heaviness Sensation On Arms?

Brief Answer: Mostly nerve pressure problems due to cervical disc prolapse. Detailed Answer: Hi XXXX, Thanks for writing to us. I have read your query & understood your problem. * Your symptoms are typically neurological.. specially heaviness in both arms going down your arms.You seem to have pressure effects on nerves supplying hands because of herniated discs at cervical spine.mostly it's degenerative changes in spinal cord in advanced age. - Alternatively it can be due to/ can be exaggerated by psychological stress/anxiety. - Some times heart problems pose this way.. heaviness in both arms . But not likely in your case as it's mostly accompanied by heaviness in chest too ( & you don't have any such complaints ) * In this context I would advise to consult - getting a through check up by a cardiologist is worth & should be done to exclude heart problem & be relaxed. -a spinal surgeon for assessing your cervical spine . A physical examination/ investigations like X ray, CT scan or MRI would locate exact site & type of lesion you have in spine.The management would depend on the site & your symptoms. * Management - Mostly you should be relieved by few physiotherapy exercises/ vitamin B12 supplements/ calcium & vitamin D to improve bony health. Oral/ injectable anti inflammatory drugs/ steroids are needeed in more severe symptoms. Surgery to relieve the pressure on nerve is final treatment.( used only when the symptoms are not controlled by palliative treatment. * Life style changes with ..a high protein, vitamin & mineral diet/ daily light exercises / Regular physiotherapy( it's good that you are already doing cervical spinal rotation exercises to relieve the problem).. but specific exercises to strengthen certain muscles which would help in lessening the pressure symptoms are to be learnt from a physiotherapist./ sound sleep & +ve mentality Reduction in weight helps symptom relief I hope you found the answer both informative & helpful Any follow up query is welcome. Thanks.