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What Causes Tingling And Numbness In Upper Arm And Forearm?

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Posted on Thu, 30 Oct 2014
Question: I have aching in my upper arm and forearm. It also travels to hand and fingers with some tingling and numbness at times.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (11 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Nerve compression likely.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
What you are experiencing is called 'Radiculopathy'. It basically suggests entrapment of a nerve root in your cervical spine in its origin or course. It is somehow not so uncommon now and we like to call it industrial neck pain, since its predilection towards people working in computer related industry.

Possible reasons for its appearance are lifting weights, episodes of over-exertion during work, long hours on computer, inappropriate posture while sleeping or sitting, lack of proper nutrition-exercises-rest-recreation or any other relevant past medical history. Figure out which amongst these or any other event that triggered the symptoms.

If it has been persistent or even increasing since few days, you need to visit your orthopaedician. Depending upon the clinical findings they might ask you to get an x ray or MRI done, which shall help establish a diagnosis and in turn allow one to formulate a treatment plan.

Let me assure you that this is temporary and self limiting illness and usually the treatment goes in following lines: rest, lifestyle modifications (namely- avoiding pillow while sleeping, following a healthy diet plan, maintaining suitable posture while working on computer/driving, avoiding any activity that strikes neck discomfort), medications (that your physician prescribes) and most important physiotherapy ( in form of neck exercises, cervical traction if required along with local ultrasonics).

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
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (13 minutes later)
I was just trying to rule out carpal tunnel . Had a employee with similar symptoms and hoped it wasn't that. Have had similar symptoms in other arm at times just not as bad. We work as ups drivers so a lot of repetitive small computer work with thumbs along with lifting a lot of weight during the day.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Not likely to be carpal tunnel.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
Carpal tunnel is less likely to be associated with pain in the arm and forearm. Cervical radiculopathy is more likely. Take break every 40 min from computer and do some neck rotations, stretches, walk and get back to work. Sit with taking support to your back and neck, and do not watch television constantly.
I will advise you to check your vit B12 and vit D3 levels also.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (2 hours later)
Is this likely to do any damage to my nerves or muscles ?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Not likely.

Detailed Answer:
It is likely to be a compression of nerve only. In case there is any muscle weakness then damage to the nerve is suspected. Do consult an orthopedician for confirmation of diagnosis.
Regards.
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
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 12307 Questions

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What Causes Tingling And Numbness In Upper Arm And Forearm?

Brief Answer: Nerve compression likely. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query. What you are experiencing is called 'Radiculopathy'. It basically suggests entrapment of a nerve root in your cervical spine in its origin or course. It is somehow not so uncommon now and we like to call it industrial neck pain, since its predilection towards people working in computer related industry. Possible reasons for its appearance are lifting weights, episodes of over-exertion during work, long hours on computer, inappropriate posture while sleeping or sitting, lack of proper nutrition-exercises-rest-recreation or any other relevant past medical history. Figure out which amongst these or any other event that triggered the symptoms. If it has been persistent or even increasing since few days, you need to visit your orthopaedician. Depending upon the clinical findings they might ask you to get an x ray or MRI done, which shall help establish a diagnosis and in turn allow one to formulate a treatment plan. Let me assure you that this is temporary and self limiting illness and usually the treatment goes in following lines: rest, lifestyle modifications (namely- avoiding pillow while sleeping, following a healthy diet plan, maintaining suitable posture while working on computer/driving, avoiding any activity that strikes neck discomfort), medications (that your physician prescribes) and most important physiotherapy ( in form of neck exercises, cervical traction if required along with local ultrasonics). 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