Left Arm Numbness: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options

Numbness and pain in the left hand?

I experience sudden numbness from my left elbow to my palm that lasts for about a few seconds.
It can be relieved by slightly shaking my arm.
Initially, this occurred a few times a week, but now it happens several times a day.
The situation worsened to the point where I feel a dull ache from my elbow to my palm after lifting heavy objects, and now my elbow has a constant mild ache throughout the day.
I went to the hospital for an examination, and the neck X-ray showed no abnormalities.
The nerve conduction study of my hand indicated that the nerve conduction signals at the elbow are significantly lower than normal (what does this mean?).
I verbally asked the doctor if exercises or massages could help improve my condition, and the doctor advised against it, stating that I should avoid using my left hand as much as possible and ideally immobilize it for about 1 to 2 months before reassessing.
If there is no improvement, surgery may be considered.

Dr.
Yeh, is my doctor's response correct? What could be causing this condition? What adverse consequences might arise if I ignore it? Would trying traditional Chinese medicine or qigong physical therapy be beneficial?

lydia, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2001/09/06

Dr. Ye Boshou reply Neurology

Based on this description, you may be suffering from ulnar nerve compression at the elbow, possibly due to postures such as resting your chin on your hand.
Taking a period of rest may allow the nerve to recover.
If symptoms do not improve or worsen over time, surgical treatment may be necessary.
As for the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine and qigong therapy, I am not familiar with them.

Reply Date: 2001/09/06

More Info

Left arm numbness, particularly when it occurs from the elbow to the hand, can be concerning and may indicate underlying neurological or musculoskeletal issues. The symptoms you describe, including sudden numbness that resolves with movement, persistent pain, and abnormal nerve conduction test results, suggest that there may be an issue with the nerves in your arm, possibly due to compression or irritation.

Possible Causes
1. Nerve Compression: One of the most common causes of numbness and pain in the arm is nerve compression. This could be due to conditions such as cubital tunnel syndrome, where the ulnar nerve is compressed at the elbow, or carpal tunnel syndrome, which affects the median nerve at the wrist. The fact that your nerve conduction study showed lower values at the elbow suggests that the ulnar nerve may be affected.

2. Cervical Radiculopathy: Although your neck X-ray was normal, it’s still possible that a herniated disc or other cervical spine issues could be causing nerve root compression, leading to symptoms in the arm.

3. Muscle Strain or Injury: Overuse or strain from lifting heavy objects can lead to muscle tightness or injury, which may also contribute to nerve compression or irritation.

4. Systemic Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis can also lead to neuropathy, but these are less likely given your age and the acute nature of your symptoms.

Risks of Ignoring Symptoms
Ignoring these symptoms can lead to several complications:
- Permanent Nerve Damage: Prolonged compression or irritation of nerves can lead to permanent damage, resulting in chronic pain, weakness, or loss of function in the affected arm.

- Increased Pain: If the underlying issue is not addressed, the pain may worsen over time, leading to a decreased quality of life and limitations in daily activities.

- Muscle Atrophy: If the nerves are not functioning properly, the muscles they innervate may weaken and atrophy over time.

Treatment Options
Your doctor’s recommendation to avoid using your left hand and to consider immobilization for 1-2 months is a conservative approach aimed at reducing inflammation and allowing the nerve to heal. Here are some additional treatment options you might consider:
1. Physical Therapy: While your doctor advised against certain movements, a physical therapist can provide tailored exercises that promote nerve gliding and reduce compression without exacerbating your symptoms.

2. Ergonomic Adjustments: If your activities or work involve repetitive motions or awkward positions, making ergonomic adjustments can help alleviate strain on your arm and neck.

3. Medication: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce inflammation and pain. If the pain is severe, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications.

4. Surgery: If conservative treatments fail and symptoms persist, surgical options may be considered to relieve nerve compression.

5. Alternative Therapies: While some patients find relief through acupuncture or chiropractic care, it’s essential to discuss these options with your healthcare provider to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your condition.

Conclusion
In summary, your symptoms warrant careful evaluation and management. While your doctor’s advice to avoid using your left hand and consider immobilization is sound, it’s crucial to follow up with a specialist, such as a neurologist or orthopedic surgeon, for further assessment and to explore additional treatment options. Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes and prevent long-term complications.

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