numbness in left arm

Following a car accident (18 days ago I was rear ended) I've experienced numbness in my left forearm from the elbow to the wrist on outside of the arm top and bottom muscles.

Occasionally this travels up the back of my upper arm to my shoulder and down into my pinkie and ring finger.

So far my mobility and coordination do not seem to be effected. My chiropractor doesn't seem to be concerned, just tells me I have a whiplash injury. But my neck is not very sore. Is this something that should concern me?

Hello,
Well, to be quite honest, I would be concerned. My experience of 30 years is that whiplashes of this nature, almost invariably leave their mark on you. Especially as it's radiating to your arm.

I would certainly notify your insurance that you have been injured. And don't sign anything off for at least three months, perhaps six.

Has your chiropractor tested the reflexes, muscle strength and sensation in your arm? Has s\he done the Upper Limb Tension test, compression tests?

I'm not being negative. I just don't want you saddled with a bill for thousands of dollars in the future, perhaps tens of thousands.

Obviously it's not for me to tell your chiropractor how to manage your neck. Talk to him honestly, and forthrightly

If it's radiating to the arm, personally I would order X-rays, if your arm is still numb in a few months an MRI scan. But truth be told, the radiation is not that great, so some chiros would rather wait a bit. I can't disagree.

I hope this contributed.

Dr B.

Now to make myself unpopular. If s/he didn't do a decent exam, I'd go elsewhere right now. You know if were given the attention you should have had.