Question
Hi,
Im a 21 year old healthy female, with NO pripor injuries. and about 3 months i was suffering from very bad mid back pain...I had an xray done, and they said it looked like degenerative disc, and I found it a bit hard to believe, but anyways, the back pain has subsided with NO treatment what so ever. But now for the last month, my left arm has had a burning sensation,and aching pain from my shoulder down to my hand, (my fingers are fine)...its really bothersome to me, i have some tattoos on my arm so i thought it was that, but my dermatologist said no, its most likely nerves. But anyways Im wondering if they are related? and what you think it could be?

Answer
From the information you've given, I would agree that there is some kind of nerve involvement causing the left arm pain.  Your mid-back pain might have been a strained muscle from some activity that you did.  However, you could have a pinched nerve causing the left arm pain.  

I don't believe that the tattoos are related because the needles don't go in far enough to cause any damage to nerves.  I have friends with tattoos and have never heard of any accompanying nerve pain from them.  My own tattoos have also never had any related nerve pain.

I might consider visiting a chiropractor for a second opinion on the left arm pain.

Thank you for your question, Marcella.  I hope that my answer has given you some help.