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What Causes Numbness In The Upper Arms?

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Posted on Wed, 1 Feb 2017
Question: I have a numbness in my upper right arm above the elbow near the shoulder close to my body. The numbness seems to be spreading down my arm to the base of my thumb. What's going on?
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Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Possible pinched nerve pain

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for using HCM to post your health query.
I read carefully your question and I understand your concern.

What you are describing seems like a pinched nerve. That is the nerve which comes from the shoulder, to the elbow and then to the hand.
The main tip into finding where it is damaged it is the start of the numbness. So if it starts to the elbow level, means that it is there that the nerve has been compressed and it is giving the numbness.

Try resting in positions that relieve the pain, because it is then that the nerve it is free.
Try not to sleep in that side.
Take a pain killer, which will decrease the inflammation and heal faster.

Will need 4-6 weeks to heal completely. You may need physical therapy at some point.

If worse or not better, I would recommend seeing a local doctor.

Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.
Otherwise please close and rate the answer.

Regards,
Dr. Papaqako

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Klarida Papaqako

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 1803 Questions

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What Causes Numbness In The Upper Arms?

Brief Answer: Possible pinched nerve pain Detailed Answer: Hello, Thank you for using HCM to post your health query. I read carefully your question and I understand your concern. What you are describing seems like a pinched nerve. That is the nerve which comes from the shoulder, to the elbow and then to the hand. The main tip into finding where it is damaged it is the start of the numbness. So if it starts to the elbow level, means that it is there that the nerve has been compressed and it is giving the numbness. Try resting in positions that relieve the pain, because it is then that the nerve it is free. Try not to sleep in that side. Take a pain killer, which will decrease the inflammation and heal faster. Will need 4-6 weeks to heal completely. You may need physical therapy at some point. If worse or not better, I would recommend seeing a local doctor. Hope this is helpful. Let me know if you need more clarifications. Otherwise please close and rate the answer. Regards, Dr. Papaqako