What Causes Pain And Numbness In The Arms?

Posted on Thu, 7 Sep 2017

Question: On more than several occasions I've had the following episodes. It starts in my back between shoulders blades. A deep think ack with a numbness associated with a rolling out ward to my arms and to my hands and fingers. It remains rolling and intense untill it reaches my fingers. it stays strong until it stops between my back right where it began then in a rolling fashion towards the fingers it dissiptates. I am a disabled Vet and do recieve full health care through my VA however my Doc has failed to locate the problem. The very last test I had done was a chemical induced stress test. I am fearful that these episodes are a warning that may be found out to late.

Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Spine issues should be considered.

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

If by warning you mean a life threatening heart issue then I do not think that is not the case, not only because of the normal stress test, but also because the symptoms do not indicate something of the kind.

In my opinion a spinal column issue must be investigated. Spinal cord lesions, in particular in the posterior areas, may manifest with such pain radiating in the limbs. By lesions I mean issues such as disc herniation compressing the cord, vitamin B12 deficiency, myelitis, multiple sclerosis (unlikely at your age), trauma etc.

For that reason I think a spine MRI should be the test of choice to be scheduled to search for such a possibility.

I remain at your disposal for other questions.

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