pain in left side

by paula manning
(country)

for the last few weeks on and off I have a weakness in my left leg and arm, which radiates during the day as real heavy aching/pain, also spreads to my shoulder.

I'm only 37 and do tend to get alot of infections so don't want to bother my doctor but now and again as I walk my left leg feels like it's going to give way. It's rather worrying now.

Hello Paula,

There's an important difference between pain in the back and neck, and pain that radiates. In your case to both the arm and leg.

Secondly, we are always looking for a "hard neurological" findings. In others, not just that it hurts, but that it is also numb or weak. In your case you feel the weakness.

The fact that it has started in both your left arm and left leg, and you feel weakness, definitely means it needs to be followed up.

I recommend you contact either your medical doctor, or a thorough chiropractor if you know one. Reflexes, and looking for 'long tract signs' and true paresis (weakness) needs to be carefully and thoroughly done.

I hope this has contributed.

Dr B