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Stabbing sensation down both arms with lingering pain and numbness in hands and forearms
by Leigh Carlson
Pain and numbness in hands and forearms This morning I went to the gym and did a toning class. At the end of the class, I raised my arms above my head and did a big stretch and all the sudden i had pretty severe "stingers" or almost electric shock/pinched nerve like pain run down both arms toward my pinky fingers. The initial shock only lasted a few seconds but after it ran all the way down i noticed that my hands were shaking and I had trouble making a fist. Also, it hurt...A LOT. Since then, the outside of my hands from the where the pinky attaches to where the wrist starts has been feeling odd. I would say they they are numb but, they are quite painful to touch and "tingly". The same feeling is also on the lower part of my forearm, ulnar (pinky?)side. It's a space of about 2-3 in. in length and maybe an inch wide. It has been roughly 7 hours since the original pain, any clue as to what is going on? My original thought was pinched nerve but, wouldn't that be primarily affecting one side and not both? Also, wouldn't I feel some sort of pain at the origination of the pinch? I never felt any pain in my neck or back. Also, how long should I deal with the pain before I see someone? I have 2 herniated disks in my lower back and have felt something similar to this down my legs and feet but it never really affected both sides at the same time and there was always accompanying pain at the site of the herniation so, I am stumped. Any help or advice would be so appreciated. Thanks so much! Hello Leigh, Interesting...! My first thought was an entrapment/ overstretch of both ulna nerves behind the elbows, but I understand you felt the pain in the upper arms as well. It certainly has to do with the C8 dermatome/ ulna nerve / brachial plexus. I think a disc injury in the neck most unlikely but still a possibility. When you raise your arms like that, and stretch them out above your head, particularly if you took in a deep breath at the same time, the collar bone rotates, the first rib rises, and if you also looked up, the anterior and medial scalene muscles would have been stretched, and perhaps contracted. All of this concerns the so-called scalene triangle and the thoracic outlet. Type these terms into the Search this site function in the Navigation bar at C-H. The lowest threads of the brachial plexus lie on the first rib, and form the ulna nerve. Hence the pain and tingling to the outside of the hands. Most likely this is a self limiting injury. For a few days, perhaps a week or two don't reach above your head, avoid looking up sharply, and I think this will probably pass over. If you find your hands become cold or swell, then I'd be more concerned. The artery to the arms also goes through that space, and can be affected. Adson's test is the definite diagnostic test. Use your common sense. If the symptoms subside, just be careful for a week or two, particularly in your toning class. No weights. If it's getting worse, then you'd better see someone tomorrow. If your symptoms linger for more than a week or two then I'd see your local chiropractor. An obviously it must pass over completely. You don't want to be left with an injury, but I think unlikely. Let me know in 10 days what's happening. I hope this has contributed. Dr B |
