Are you experiencing a lack of feeling in your arm or hand? You might have a condition called arm numbness. Although arm numbness is not uncommon and affects many people throughout the United States, it can still make life much more challenging.
As an orthopedic spine specialist in New Jersey, Dr. Grigory Goldberg has helped patients diagnose and treat numbness in the arms and hands. Keep reading to learn more about arm numbness, what causes it, and how you can find relief.
Arm numbness refers to a change in sensation in your arm or hand. Contrary to what the name implies, numbness is not the only symptom of this condition. Patients may experience pins and needles, stinging, burning, aching, and other symptoms similar to carpal tunnel syndrome from the shoulder all the way to the tips of the fingers.
Arm numbness may result from one or more conditions affecting your nerves and blood flow to your arm. With the help of a specialist like Dr. Grigory Goldberg, you can identify the underlying cause of your arm numbness and determine the best treatment plan for you.
Compression neuropathy is one of the most common causes of pain, numbness, and achiness in the arm. However, it can also cause muscle weakness and twitchiness, making it difficult to go about your daily routine. Compression neuropathy includes various conditions in which there is pressure on a nerve, including:
Another common cause of arm numbness is peripheral neuropathy. This medical condition does not always result in pain, but it often leads to a constant numb sensation as if your arm and hand are “falling asleep.” According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, peripheral neuropathy impacts the lives of over 20 million people in the United States.
Ongoing pain, achiness, and lack of sensation in the arm may result from fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia can impact more than just your arm — it affects your body’s entire nervous system and leads to long-lasting pain, fatigue, and trouble sleeping. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 2% of the U.S. adult population suffers from fibromyalgia, but doctors still do not fully understand what causes this condition.
Do you take a wide variety of medications or cancer treatments? Your medications could be affecting the nerves and blood vessels in your arm, resulting in numbness and tingling. We recommend talking to your doctor about your medications and discussing their side effects.
Unhealthy dietary habits and a lack of proper nutrition can lead to arm and hand numbness. Your body needs a certain amount of vitamins and minerals each day to keep it healthy and functioning at the highest level possible. Vitamin B1, B6, and B12 deficiencies could be at the heart of your nerve pain.
At the orthopedic practice of Dr. Grigory Goldberg, M.D., our specialists have the equipment and knowledge to diagnose your arm numbness and set you on the road to recovery. We will review your medical history and provide a physical exam to help pinpoint the root cause of your condition. Then, we can take cervical spine and brain scans to see what exactly is going on.
Many people suffering from arm numbness think it’s no big deal and don’t want to spend time with treatment. However, fighting through the pain and living with ongoing nerve damage is never a good idea. It can lead to lifelong discomfort and more severe health problems in the future.
Treating arm numbness does not have to be time-consuming, stressful, or expensive. Some patients find relief quickly with non-surgical treatment methods, such as wearing a brace or taking prescription drugs. Non-surgical treatment is always the number one option.
If your symptoms are severe and debilitating, surgical treatment might be the best decision. Surgery can remove whatever is causing the numbness, repair your nerves and blood vessels, and enable you to enjoy a higher quality of life. Our orthopedic spine specialists understand what it takes to treat your condition and can help guide you moving forward.
Arm numbness affects many people and can make life extra challenging. It may result from any number of health issues, including nerve damage and vitamin deficiencies. Don’t suffer any longer — get professional help from Dr. Grigory Goldberg.
Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available. Learn more about conditions treated, and contact us to get started today.
Numbness in the right or left arm can affect anyone, no matter your age, sex, medical history, race, ethnicity, or life situation. That said, older individuals with underlying health conditions are typically more at risk of arm numbness.
Arm numbness may last anywhere from a few days to several years, depending on what is causing the condition and how soon you seek medical attention. Getting treatment early can keep it from worsening and help you recover faster.
Arm numbness develops at different rates, depending on multiple factors. For example, the underlying cause plays a major role in how quickly you experience symptoms. Injuries may cause arm numbness to develop instantly, whereas conditions like peripheral neuropathy and fibromyalgia can take days, weeks, months, and even decades.
You should see a specialist about your arm numbness if you experience constant pain, aching, burning, or discomfort. Arm numbness could be a warning sign of more serious, underlying health problems. An orthopedic spine specialist can help you every step of the way, from quick diagnosis to effective treatment.