Which Specialist to See for Left Upper Back Pain and Arm Numbness?

You should see a specialist in neurology or orthopedics for left upper back pain accompanied by hand numbness and a sensation of vascular pain in the arm?

In the past two to three days, I have experienced a painful sensation in my left upper arm that feels like vascular pain (it is really painful).
Subsequently, I developed numbness in both wrists, and now I have significant pain in my left upper back (with occasional mild pain in the left anterior chest).
During the pain episodes, I sometimes experience tingling and numbness in my right wrist and left shoulder.
There was also one instance of pain on the left side of my head.
Given that the pain in my left upper back is quite severe and accompanied by numbness and tingling, I would like to know which specialty I should consult if I need to seek medical attention.

Niming, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/08/07

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology

Hello, it is recommended to see a neurologist.
Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Reply Date: 2022/08/07

More Info

Based on your description of symptoms, including left upper back pain, arm numbness, and occasional pain in the left chest and head, it is crucial to approach this situation with careful consideration. Given the complexity of your symptoms, the best course of action would be to consult a specialist who can evaluate your condition thoroughly.

1. Recommended Specialist: You should consider seeing a neurologist first. Neurologists specialize in disorders of the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Given your symptoms of numbness and pain radiating to your arm and shoulder, a neurologist can help determine if there is a nerve-related issue, such as a pinched nerve or radiculopathy, which could be causing the pain and numbness. They may conduct a thorough neurological examination and may recommend tests such as an MRI or nerve conduction studies to assess the function of your nerves.

2. Alternative Specialist: If the neurologist rules out neurological causes, you might also consider seeing an orthopedic specialist. Orthopedic doctors focus on the musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments. They can evaluate if there are any structural issues in your spine or shoulder that could be contributing to your pain. Conditions such as herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, or shoulder impingement could be potential causes of your symptoms.

3. Physical Therapy: Regardless of which specialist you see, physical therapy may be beneficial. A physical therapist can help you with exercises to strengthen the muscles around your back and shoulders, improve flexibility, and reduce pain. They can also provide modalities such as heat, ice, or electrical stimulation to help manage your symptoms.

4. Emergency Consideration: Given that you mentioned experiencing pain in your chest and head, it is essential to be aware of the potential for serious conditions such as cardiac issues. If you experience severe chest pain, shortness of breath, or other alarming symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

5. Diagnostic Tests: When you visit a specialist, they may recommend various diagnostic tests to better understand the underlying cause of your symptoms. These could include:
- MRI or CT scans: To visualize the structures of your spine and rule out any herniated discs or other abnormalities.

- X-rays: To check for any structural issues in the bones of your spine or shoulder.

- Nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG): To assess the electrical activity of your muscles and the function of your nerves.

6. Management and Treatment: Depending on the diagnosis, treatment options may vary. If it is determined that your symptoms are due to a nerve issue, treatments may include:
- Medications: Such as anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers, or nerve pain medications.

- Injections: Corticosteroid injections may be considered to reduce inflammation and pain.

- Surgery: In some cases, if conservative treatments do not provide relief, surgical options may be explored.

In summary, start by consulting a neurologist to evaluate your symptoms. If necessary, they can refer you to an orthopedic specialist or physical therapist for further management. It is essential to address these symptoms promptly to prevent any potential complications and to improve your quality of life.

Similar Q&A

Which Specialist Should I See for My Left Back and Arm Numbness?

I apologize for the inconvenience, but I'm unsure which outpatient department I should visit. Please assist me, thank you. For the past two months, I have been experiencing a tingling sensation in my left back (approximately in the area where the left arm rotates backward, n...

Dr. Cai Xingzhi reply Surgery
Hello: 1. If you are experiencing numbness in the back of your left hand due to extending your left arm during shoulder movements, it may be caused by nerve compression, leading to abnormal sensations of tingling and numbness. In this case, please consult a neurologist or a neuro...

Chronic Shoulder and Neck Pain: Finding the Right Specialist for Relief

Hello, I have been experiencing pain in my left shoulder and neck for 4-5 years. I have consulted many doctors, but the cause of my pain has not been identified, and I have not received effective treatment. I have seen an orthopedic specialist (who said there are no fractures and...

Dr. Pan Yingda reply Rehabilitation
Are you just asking me which department to consult? Of course, I would say that rehabilitation medicine is sometimes not just about which specialty to see, but about finding the right person. I think you've already seen the appropriate specialists, and since you're stil...

Understanding Neurological Symptoms: Which Specialist to Consult First?

Over the past year, I have often felt very anxious. A month ago, due to extreme stress, I experienced a cool and tingling sensation on the left side of my occipital region, accompanied by numbness on the left side of my body. This sensation is most pronounced in the morning upon ...

Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine
Hello, your symptoms are quite broad, but they also have many neurological manifestations. Therefore, I recommend that you first consult a neurologist to check for issues such as nerve root compression in the upper spinal cord. If the examination shows no significant abnormalitie...

Which Specialist Should I See for Persistent Left Arm Pain?

I frequently experience intermittent soreness and fatigue in my left upper arm, which worsens with changes in weather or exposure to air conditioning. The duration of the soreness varies. Which specialist should I consult? Thank you.

Dr. Chen Yongxue reply Orthopedics
Orthopedics, thank you.