What Causes Shoulder Pain And Shoulder And Finger Numbness?

Posted on Mon, 18 May 2015

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

Mon, 18 May 2015 Answered on

Mon, 8 Jun 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello,
I'm 48 yr old male, 5'8" 160 lbs fit and good health. One week ago I did some overhand chin ups (10,8,5) which was a new upper body routine for me. The next morning I had pain in both shoulders and soreness/mild numbness running down from shoulder to inner forearm and tingling/numbness in middle, ring a pinky fingers on both hands. I've been taking NSAID's and limiting upper body workouts. What have I done? :-)

Answered by Dr. Adrian Rawlinson (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Neurapraxia

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

This is most likely a Neurapraxia - a temporary dysfunction of the nerve. You may have strained the soft tissues (muscles, nerves, ligaments) due to your exercise regimen.

This is nothing to worry about - your symptoms will most likely resolve spontaneously in the next week or two. Just do cardio work and lower body weights only until it resolves.

I hope this helps. Best wishes.

Dr Rawlinson.

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