handsome mature patient in casual attire on appointment with his rehabilitologist in hospital
Can determining whether arm numbness occurs suddenly or gradually and whether there are other symptoms help healthcare providers diagnose and treat the condition?
Table of Contents
Arm numbness or tingling are common symptoms that various medical conditions can cause. Numbness can be caused by a sudden health emergency, nerve disorder, or nutritional deficiency. (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2024) Sometimes, this symptom results from an arm falling asleep and could resolve after just a few minutes. The sensation may be temporary, caused by something like sleeping in the wrong position. However, arm numbness and tingling may also be caused by neuropathy and chronic and progressive nerve damage and can also suddenly occur due to serious conditions, such as a heart attack or a stroke.
Deficient blood circulation in the arm could cause numbness and tingling as the nerves cannot receive enough oxygen. Conditions can interfere with normal blood flow and include: (Bryan L. and Singh A. 2024)
A common example of sudden numbness and tingling is the feeling that the arm has fallen asleep. This usually occurs after sleeping awkwardly or leaning on the arm for a long time. Known as paresthesia, this sensation is related to the compression or irritation of nerves. (Bryan L. and Singh A. 2024) Sleeping in certain positions has been associated with nerve compression, especially when the hands or wrists are tucked or curled under the body, as well as maintaining proper spine alignment when sleeping, is the best way to prevent arm numbness.
Numbness that persists may be related to an injury or underlying health problem that affects the brachial plexus, a group of nerves that runs from the lower neck to the upper shoulders and controls movement and sensation in the arms. (Mount Sinai, 2022) Possible injuries that affect these nerves include: (Smith, S. M. et al., 2021)
Diseases and disorders that can cause numbness in the arms include conditions that affect the nervous system, like multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, Raynaud phenomenon, and shingles. (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 2023) (Smith, S. M. et al., 2021)
The relationship between arm numbness and medication usage can be complex. (Senderovich H. and Jeyapragasan G. 2018)
Inform healthcare providers about medications being taken to determine the relationship between them and any sensory changes.
Peripheral neuropathy can also be caused by nutritional deficiencies and vitamin imbalances, which can damage nerves and cause sensation loss in the left or right arm. The most common sources are vitamin B12 deficiency and excess vitamin B6. (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2024) Excessive alcohol consumption and other disorders that affect nutritional intake can also lead to nerve damage.
At Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic, our areas of practice include Chronic Pain, Personal Injury, Auto Accident Care, Work Injuries, Back Injury, Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Migraine Headaches, Sports Injuries, Severe Sciatica, Scoliosis, Complex Herniated Discs, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain, Complex Injuries, Stress Management, Wellness & Nutrition, Functional Medicine Treatments, and in-scope care protocols. We focus on what works for you to relieve pain and restore function. If other treatment is needed, individuals will be referred to a clinic or physician best suited to their injury, condition, and/or ailment.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2024). Paresthesia. Retrieved from www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/glossary-neurological-terms#paresthesia
Bryan, L., Singh, A. Sleep Foundation. (2024). Numbness in Hands While Sleeping: Causes and Remedies. www.sleepfoundation.org/physical-health/numbness-in-hands-while-sleeping
Mount Sinai. (2022). Brachial plexopathy. www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/brachial-plexopathy
Smith, S. M., McMullen, C. W., & Herring, S. A. (2021). Differential Diagnosis for the Painful Tingling Arm. Current sports medicine reports, 20(9), 462–469. doi.org/10.1249/JSR.0000000000000877
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2023). Vasculitis. Retrieved from www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/vasculitis/symptoms#:~:text=Nerve%20problems%2C%20including%20numbness%2C%20tingling,can%20also%20occur%20with%20vasculitis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Stroke signs and symptoms. Retrieved from www.cdc.gov/stroke/signs-symptoms/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/signs_symptoms.htm
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022). What Is a Heart Attack? Retrieved from www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/heart-attack
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. (2023). Spinal Stenosis Basics. Retrieved from www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/spinal-stenosis/basics/symptoms-causes
Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2024). Peripheral Neuropathy. www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/peripheral-neuropathy
Senderovich, H., & Jeyapragasan, G. (2018). Is there a role for combined use of gabapentin and pregabalin in pain control? Too good to be true?. Current medical research and opinion, 34(4), 677–682. doi.org/10.1080/03007995.2017.1391756
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2024). Peripheral Neuropathy. Retrieved from www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/peripheral-neuropathy
Professional Scope of Practice *
The information herein on "Understanding Arm Numbness and Tingling" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
Blog Information & Scope Discussions
Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.
We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.
We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.
We are here to help you and your family.
Blessings
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182
Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Florida
Florida License RN License # RN9617241 (Control No. 3558029)
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*
Presently Matriculated: ICHS: MSN* FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
My Digital Business Card
Individuals who have experienced spinal or back trauma, suffered fractures, are going through spinal degeneration,… Read More
Can individuals incorporate proper posture in their workouts to provide effective results and reduce muscle… Read More
Marshmallows and calories can add up when eating more than a single serving. Can marshmallows… Read More
Can knowing the characteristics of each stage of healing help expedite recovery for individuals who… Read More
Individuals getting into fitness may wonder whether they should join a gym or exercise at… Read More
For individuals who enjoy walking for exercise and health, can knowing when to replace walking… Read More
Therapeutic massage guns are great for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Can daily massage gun use… Read More
For individuals who like sweet foods but want to maintain health, how do honey and… Read More
Can Tabata training help burn more calories during and after workouts for individuals who do… Read More
Are there ways to make ramen noodles healthier for those who enjoy them? Ramen Noodles… Read More
For individuals dealing with constipation issues, can using an osmotic laxative help treat and prevent… Read More
For individuals and athletes with a gluteal contusion with severe bruising, can a healthcare provider… Read More