Arm numbness can be caused by common factors like sleeping on the arm or extreme cold, but it can also be a sign of serious conditions like multiple sclerosis, pinched nerves, or herniated discs. It’s important to see a doctor to address the underlying cause.
Some of the causes of arm numbness are not serious and quite common, while other causes are cause for concern and should be treated by a doctor as soon as possible. Simply sleeping the wrong way on your arm can cause numbness by constricting the blood vessels that carry blood to your arms. Relieving that pressure often relieves numbness in the arm. Certain environmental effects such as extreme cold can also lead to numbness in the arms, as can raising the arms above the level of the heart, which limits blood supply to arm’s length.
More serious conditions that can lead to numbness in the arm include multiple sclerosis, a pinched or damaged nerve, and disc injuries or other spinal problems. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that affects the brain and spinal cord and can affect the way the brain communicates with the rest of the body. MS is a complex disease that needs to be addressed and diagnosed by a doctor. It’s not one of the most common causes of numbness in the arms, but it’s definitely one of the more serious.
Nerves run through the arms and around the spine to help the body function properly. When one of these nerves is pinched or damaged, the area of the body served by that nerve can be negatively affected; you may lose motor control in more severe cases, or you may experience tingling, pain, aches, or numbness in your arm. A pinched nerve can be caused by many conditions, including tight muscles or tendons, joint problems, or even a herniated disc in the spine putting pressure on that nerve. If you experience nerve pain or numbness, you should see a doctor right away to address the underlying cause of your nerve pain.
Herniated discs in the spine occur when a spinal disc that sits between two vertebrae becomes compressed, causing it to bulge or rupture. Such a condition can cause numbness in the arm by pressing on the nerves that serve that arm and causing other problems with the proper functioning of the spine, shoulder, and arms. Most herniated discs heal on their own given enough time and rest, although some require a doctor’s attention. More severe cases of a herniated disc in the spine may require surgery to repair the damaged disc to prevent further pain or neurological problems.
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