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What Causes Pain In Arm And Numbness In Hand?

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Posted on Tue, 30 Jun 2015
Question: I am in OK shape. Im 52, 6' 230lbs.. I work in the Commercial Diving industry which requires an annual physical.. I Always have strong heart, never had BP, Cholesterol, Thyroid, or any other problems. I have been home for about 4 weeks, and started getting upper left arm pain between the deltoid and the tricep.. It doesnt get worse or better with movement. Seems to get worse at night. for the last 3 days I am starting to get tingling and numbness in my left thumb.. Over the weekend pain seemed to be connected to my neck. It hurt from back of my neck to tricep. When i looked down pain in arm got worse.. Today no neck pain at all, slight pain in upper arm, tip of thumb numb... Pain in the arm comes and goes, but the thumb numbness is constant.. My energy levels are good, no dizzyness. I went on a 12 mile bike ride on Sunday. arm hurt and fingers tingled through entire ride.. no better no worse. I am off work for another month and cant afford a myriad of tests. I was told to try breathing straight oxygen and see if goes away, that would tell me its a arterial branch blockage. any other suggestions before I submit to stress tests, or nerve testing or whatever else they line up? Thanks.. XXXXXXX
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Answered by Dr. Sara Garcia (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for using our system. I will try to help you in your medical concerns.
First of all ,pain in the arm and numbness of the hand could be secondary to cervical or neck problems. You can have a pinch nerve in the neck that will reflex to the arm and fingers. You need to use a neck support at night to keep it in a position to avoid nerve compression. The fact that you were able to bike 12 miles goes in favor of a healthy heart. However, it would be beneficial to do a stress test in a near future, just as preventive measure.
Dr.Sara
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Sara Garcia

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1988

Answered : 505 Questions

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What Causes Pain In Arm And Numbness In Hand?

Brief Answer: Dear XXXXXXX Detailed Answer: Thanks for using our system. I will try to help you in your medical concerns. First of all ,pain in the arm and numbness of the hand could be secondary to cervical or neck problems. You can have a pinch nerve in the neck that will reflex to the arm and fingers. You need to use a neck support at night to keep it in a position to avoid nerve compression. The fact that you were able to bike 12 miles goes in favor of a healthy heart. However, it would be beneficial to do a stress test in a near future, just as preventive measure. Dr.Sara