Question
I am 51 years old and have a problem with my arms and hands my left arm hurts all the time like a throbbing pain. And my left hand is numb and tingly. Now my right hand is starting to go numb and tingle on the tips of my fingers. If I barley touch my baby finger and ring finger it hurts just to touch. And when I try to lift anything I feel as someone is putting a cigar out on my lower next in the back. Can you tell what this could be. I feel as I am fixing to lose control of my left arm.

Answer
Patti,

Most likely, this can be a herniated disc in your neck (cervical spine) that is compressing your spinal cord a little.   Since you have the symptoms in both left and right sides, it rules out things like lung tumors that are not far from the area behind your collar bone (clavicle), and that bump against cervical spine nerves after they exit out and go under your clavicle.   You need to get an examination by a chiropractor, neurologist, or MD physiatrist.  Each will test your arm and finger strengths, reflexes, and skin sensation.   They should also examine your neck and listen to the top lobes of your lungs.   If it is a cervical spine disc bulge/protrusion, it will be fairly obvious.  In some cases, where you have a lost reflex and weak muscles, an MRI is needed to further evaluate what is going on.   Try to avoid x-rays.

'Hope this was helpful,

Dr. G