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What Causes Pain And Weakness In The Arm?
Posted on
Sat, 24 May 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sat, 24 May 2014
Answered on
Thu, 12 Jun 2014
Last reviewed on
Question : My left arm always feels a lot weaker than right and can get a numb feeling to it, I often feel sharp pains or cramps over left chest area and back. These sensations tend to be more present when feeling anxious. Could this be nerve related pains and weakness? I have had these symptoms a long time,I often fear it's heart related, I get shortness of breath that feels like my back is tight, I do not get shortness of breath while exercising
Brief Answer:
Nerve compression likely.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The pain and weakness in the arm can be due to following reasons-
-Prolapse of disc in cervical spine.
-Cervical stenosis or narrowing of holes from where nerves exit.
-Cervical spondylsis.
-Stress.
-Deficiency of vitamin B12.
The shortness of breath is anxiety related as there are no such symptoms present during the exercise.
You should do following to have relief -
-At least have an x ray of cervical spine. Best will be to have a MRI of spine.
-Avoid alcohol tea or caffeine.
-Avoid bending your neck at abnormal position for long time, like on computer. Avoid using a pillow.
-Do warm water fomentation with help of water bag over your neck.
-Take a good analgesic like combination of tramadol with paracetamol.
-Test for levels of vitamin B12, If low do take Vitamin B12 supplements.
-Take help of a physiothearpist .He will be able to give your relief by intermittent traction, ultrasonic therapy etc.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Nerve compression likely.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The pain and weakness in the arm can be due to following reasons-
-Prolapse of disc in cervical spine.
-Cervical stenosis or narrowing of holes from where nerves exit.
-Cervical spondylsis.
-Stress.
-Deficiency of vitamin B12.
The shortness of breath is anxiety related as there are no such symptoms present during the exercise.
You should do following to have relief -
-At least have an x ray of cervical spine. Best will be to have a MRI of spine.
-Avoid alcohol tea or caffeine.
-Avoid bending your neck at abnormal position for long time, like on computer. Avoid using a pillow.
-Do warm water fomentation with help of water bag over your neck.
-Take a good analgesic like combination of tramadol with paracetamol.
-Test for levels of vitamin B12, If low do take Vitamin B12 supplements.
-Take help of a physiothearpist .He will be able to give your relief by intermittent traction, ultrasonic therapy etc.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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