Tingling on the inside part fo my upper right arm

by Carolyn
(Nairobi)

Recently, I have been experiencing a tingling sensation on the inside part of my upper right arm. Initially I thought I had slept in a bad position but the sensations still continues a month later.

Please advise.

Hello Carolyn,

The inner part of the upper arm is supplied by the Th1 dermatome. That nerve comes from the junction of your neck and upper thoracic spine.

Do you have any neck pain? Do any movements of your head and neck cause neck pain, and more particularly the tingling in your upper arm?

Does placing your hand on your head (Shoulder abduction relief sign) increase or decrease the tingling? Or make no difference?

Put your arm out at the side, extend it backwards (palm forewards), extend your wrist and then laterally flex your head to the opposite side. Does it increase the tingling?

In all probability, this tingling comes from your upper back/ lower neck. It's a problem treated on a daily basis by chiropractors.

Cough? Smoker? Very rarely tumours in the apex of the lung can cause this condition. But it's unlikely... if you hear hoofbeats, don't think "zebra"! Think horses!

Get some X-rays of your neck and, if you have a cough, chest X-rays.

I hope this has contributed.