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What Causes Pins And Needles In Left Arm And Elbow Numbness?
Question: I have pins and needles feelings in my left arm that has been bugging me for a couple of weeks. I have been to the chiropractor for a couple of adjustments but have gotten no relief. Now there PAIN in my elbow as well as numbness. Should I be really concerned?
Brief Answer:
Probable benign paresthesias
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for contacting us. I am a ortho/sports med doc and I see a lot of these types of issues in my practice.
Pins and needles or tingling is sometimes called paresthesia. It's usually a sign of a nerve issue. Sometimes the nerves in the neck (cervical spine) can be irritated or trapped. This can cause pain in the arm and the tingling sensation you describe. Nerves can also be trapped in the shoulder or elbow region- but this is less common.
There are lots of other causes of paresthesias too numerous to mention here.
I would suggest seeing your doctor who should ask you a series of questions about the symptoms - eg onset, severity, frequency, aggravating factors, relieving factors etc. He/she should also perform an examination of your cervical spine and a neurological exam of your arms including testing your strength, sensation, reflexes and circulation. Your elbow should also be examined in detail to check for range of motion and any tender areas.
Sometimes in these cases I will order some x-rays of the neck area. If I deduce the neck is indeed the problem I might start with some anti-inflammatory medicine and a short course of physical therapy.I do not think you need a scan at this time.
If we cannot find a cause and the condition is not improving I might ask a neurologist to take a look.
At this stage I wouldn't worry about these symptoms too much - as occasionally they may resolve spontaneously over a week or two.
I hope this is helpful for you. Please message me back if you have any further questions.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Adrian Rawlinson MD.
Probable benign paresthesias
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for contacting us. I am a ortho/sports med doc and I see a lot of these types of issues in my practice.
Pins and needles or tingling is sometimes called paresthesia. It's usually a sign of a nerve issue. Sometimes the nerves in the neck (cervical spine) can be irritated or trapped. This can cause pain in the arm and the tingling sensation you describe. Nerves can also be trapped in the shoulder or elbow region- but this is less common.
There are lots of other causes of paresthesias too numerous to mention here.
I would suggest seeing your doctor who should ask you a series of questions about the symptoms - eg onset, severity, frequency, aggravating factors, relieving factors etc. He/she should also perform an examination of your cervical spine and a neurological exam of your arms including testing your strength, sensation, reflexes and circulation. Your elbow should also be examined in detail to check for range of motion and any tender areas.
Sometimes in these cases I will order some x-rays of the neck area. If I deduce the neck is indeed the problem I might start with some anti-inflammatory medicine and a short course of physical therapy.I do not think you need a scan at this time.
If we cannot find a cause and the condition is not improving I might ask a neurologist to take a look.
At this stage I wouldn't worry about these symptoms too much - as occasionally they may resolve spontaneously over a week or two.
I hope this is helpful for you. Please message me back if you have any further questions.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Adrian Rawlinson MD.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Neel Kudchadkar
Answered by
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