What Causes Unilateral Pain And Numbness In The Arm?

Posted on Mon, 19 Dec 2016

Question: My right elbow as some pain and my right arm as numbness. This started in late July from a pain the came from over doing it in the swimming pool. The initial pain started in my back under my right shoulder blade. The pain radiated down my right are and elbow. The pain was so bad that when I would walk I would have to stop after walking 100 feet or so. The pain in my back is gone but my elbow still as some pain and the numbness continues.

Answered by Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Likely a pulled muscle or nerve pain

Detailed Answer:
Hi! Welcome to health care magic! Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. We will try to help you in best way possible.

First of all, it is sad to know what you had been experiencing lately. Based on the history you have shared, it seems as if you have pulled some muscle leading to muscle sprain or compression of any nerve supplying the upper limb. With the history of onset to the nature of symptoms, everything supports this.

To start with, let me assure you that most of the times it resolve spontaneously and is completely reversible in most of the cases with proper management. Using OTC analgesics like acetaminophen or Tylenol as you have mentioned may also need to be accompanied by muscle relaxants like orphenidrine or tizanidine alongwith nerve pain relievers like gaba pentins or duloxetine in severe cases.

Proper physiotherapy will be extremly beneficial and most safe approach along with medical therapy in your case. To avoid recurrent muscle spasms,using supplements for B12, D3 and folic acid will be of help.

Wishing you a speedy recovery. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. 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. REMY KOSHY