Sharp shooting pains down left arm to fingers
by Kris
(Massachusetts)
Intermittant very painful sharp shooting pains that go down my entire left arm, ending in fingers (middle and ring finger. Thumb and index finger are not affected. Little finger sometimes affected.) The pain is on the backside of the arm and is awful but only lasts a few seconds. Depending on severity of each "incident" sometimes my arm/hand/fingers are weak for a few seconds after this happens. Right arm is only VERY slightly affected the same way.
I believe this was originally caused by a really bad mattress that pinched my shoulders (side sleeper) unmercifully and cut off blood circulation to whichever arm I was lying on (predominantly left). I suffered on the mattress for over a year, about 4 months ago got a new one. New one isn't much better, (now my mid and low back hurt) but it doesn't crush my shoulders the way the other one did. However, in bed is when I get the pain the most. Oddly I do not have to be lying on the left side to get the pain in the left arm. I can be on my right side or on my back and still often get the sharp pains in left arm. Mostly I sleep on my stomach with arms down at my sides (straight) and head flat on mattress turned to the left, to avoid mid/low back pain and crushed shoulder/arm pain.
Have a long history of cervical neck issues and a good chiro who can adjust satisfactorily.
Haven't been to see him in 6 months. Last time I was there I told him about sharp arm pain and he thinks it's arthritis and said I need an x-ray. I didn't get the x-ray yet. I don't think it's arthritis I am about 99% certain it's due to the bad mattress(es). The pain is getting unbearable. I have an appt with him tomorrow and hope he can adjust something to relieve the pressure on whatever nerve is causing this.
I also spend too much time slouched on the sofa in front of the computer and get no exercise anymore.
What do you think?? Thanks for your input.
Hello Kris,
You've already given me the answer to your question! You have a typical C7 dermatome pain in the arm and if you don't get it sorted the arm will become lame and weak.
The underlying cause is almost certainly sleeping on your tum. Very bad for the neck. Spend the money, get a decent bed, one pillow. Or you'll spend ten times as much on chiropractic and surgeons!
I agree with your chiro. When the pain goes down your arm, X-rays are definitely indicated. The chances of foramen narrowing are pretty high.
My experience is that an occasional regular treatment is far more effective than waiting until you have so much pain that you can't wait any longer. Folk who come for a treatment every 6-10 weeks need less treatment in the long run.
Get moving! I know it's winter, but a walk every day, perhaps some skiing, will improve your health enormously.
I hope this has contributed.
Dr B
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