What Causes Sharp Electric Shock Like Sensation Under The Arm?

Posted on Thu, 16 Mar 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 16 Mar 2017 Answered on

Sat, 8 Apr 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Im a man and I have a sharp electric shock type feeling under my arm when I stretch or move a certain way. (not really in my armpit but a little lower than that almost adjacent to my nipple but along my ribcage under my arm) what could be the cause of this?

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (38 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Take treatment if required

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and understand your concern.
The symptoms are suggestive of radicular pain due to nerve root compression at neck level.
Is there any sensation loss, weakness in Upper or lower limbs or urinary complains.
No treatment is required for intermittent pain.
Avoid extreme movement of neck or arm.
Pain modulator drugs like pregabalin, gabapentin or amitriptyline can be used if required.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further information.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (41 minutes later)

OK thanks, I have a cyst in my forearm that the doctor has told me not to worry about that when I hit it or bump it a certain way it has the same electric shock/pain type symptom as I'm feeling under my arm. do you think this could be the same type of cyst and it just gets aggravated when I stretch or move the wrong way?

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (21 hours later)

Brief Answer:
May be cyst associated

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Yes it may be due to cyst of nerve.
Get examined by a neurologist.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

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