Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Numbness In Left Arm?
Brief Answer:
several possible causes
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
There are several things that could cause this problem. The most common is probably disc disease in your neck, where a protruding disc pushes on the nerve going to your arm and causes numbness. There could also be a problem with the nerves in your arm.
In addition there is something called thoracic outlet syndrome where the nerves and vessels get trapped in tissue in the chest wall and this too can cause arm numbness.
To sort this out you need to see a doctor and if they can not figure it out then you would need to be referred to a neurologist. You may need imaging studies as well such as xrays or MRI.
I hope you find the cause and get treatment soon,
Dr. Robinson
several possible causes
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
There are several things that could cause this problem. The most common is probably disc disease in your neck, where a protruding disc pushes on the nerve going to your arm and causes numbness. There could also be a problem with the nerves in your arm.
In addition there is something called thoracic outlet syndrome where the nerves and vessels get trapped in tissue in the chest wall and this too can cause arm numbness.
To sort this out you need to see a doctor and if they can not figure it out then you would need to be referred to a neurologist. You may need imaging studies as well such as xrays or MRI.
I hope you find the cause and get treatment soon,
Dr. Robinson
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I have been concerned that it is related to blood pressure, or poor flow from my heart. You did not mention it. Thoractic disfunction might explain the length of time, but it seems to me that nerve issues lasting that long would affect more than just my left arm. Yes, I need to have a physical assessment. What might be the danger of a month waiting for that appointment?
Brief Answer:
would not wait if I were you
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for the follow up.
If it is coming from a disc in your neck (some of these nerves just go to the arm), or a problem in the thoracic outlet, then if it were getting worse you would begin to have pain. The risk with nerve issues is that the longer they persist the more likely they are to become permanent.
If the numbness were from heart disease then it would most often be accompanied with other symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pressure, sweating, palpitations, and anxiet. It would most likely only show up during physical exercise, not just a prolonged numbness. If you think it is coming from your heart then you should not wait, but should be seen immediately. If you have any of these other symptoms or you have other risks for heart disease then definitely see a doctor right away.
Regards,
Dr. Robinson
would not wait if I were you
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for the follow up.
If it is coming from a disc in your neck (some of these nerves just go to the arm), or a problem in the thoracic outlet, then if it were getting worse you would begin to have pain. The risk with nerve issues is that the longer they persist the more likely they are to become permanent.
If the numbness were from heart disease then it would most often be accompanied with other symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pressure, sweating, palpitations, and anxiet. It would most likely only show up during physical exercise, not just a prolonged numbness. If you think it is coming from your heart then you should not wait, but should be seen immediately. If you have any of these other symptoms or you have other risks for heart disease then definitely see a doctor right away.
Regards,
Dr. Robinson
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
