What Causes Numbness And Tingling Sensation In My Left Arm?

Posted on Mon, 30 Jun 2014

Question: I have been experiencing some symptoms that affect only the left side of my body. I've been experiencing numbness and tingling in my left arm, as well as fairly severe pain in my left leg; to the point that it's becoming increasingly painful - sharp, stabbing sensations up and down my entire leg. As far as my health history goes, I have had 2 back surgeries, but I'm not experiencing any lower back pain.

The stabbing pains are much worse when I stand but decrease somewhat after I've been standing for awhile. It's becoming increasingly debilitating, affecting my sleep and normal activities.

Answered by Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You may need to do MRI spine with contrast again

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I have studied your case.

You may need to do MRI spine with contrast again to see for nerve compression.
Due to compression of this nerve root there is tingling numbness in your leg and pain associated with it.
Previous surgery may lead to early degeneration around operated vertebrae.

Another possibility of spinal canal stenosis leading to pain on standing.

If your MRI shows disc bulge with nerve compression then surgery may help.
.
For these symptoms analgesic and neurotropic like pregabalin and methylcobalamine medication can be started consulting your doctor.
Till time, avoid lifting weights, Sit with support to back. You can consult physiotherapist for help.
Physiotherapy like ultrasound and TENS therapy will help

I will advise to check your vit B12 and vit D3 level.

Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.

Wishing you good health.

Take care.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

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