Question
QUESTION: For the past 3 weeks, I've had trouble with my left arm. At first I was getting a sharp electric shock type feeling just above my elbow on the outside of my arm when I moved my arm behind me or sometimes just in a random motion. After a week, I noticed an area just above my elbow on the outside of my arm starting to lose feeling and all skin sensation. This area is now about 1/3 of the way up the back of my arm. By week 3 now, I feel my whole arm is just heavy and sort of tingling as if it has fallen asleep, as well as the numb area still concentrated within the lower 1/3 of my upper arm above the back of the elbow.  
Also had one electric shock feeling that went in my thumb at one point. And to note that my wrist has been sore where I can't bend it back for about 3 months since jaring it on my ATV when the handle bars came back hard on my left hand. This is the only other injury I can specifically put on that left arm, but it was so long ago I am not sure it is the cause.
As of today, an area around the numb spot on the back of my arm...is very tender and sore throughout.
I just went for xrays for my back and neck, but wondering if there are any signs that seem clear just by my explanation, and what you feel is my next step or what this could be. Thanks for your time. RB

ANSWER: RB,

There could be several things going on, including spinal problems and shoulder problems. You are doing the right thing by consulting with a local doctor to help you. Please be aware that a normal xray of the neck does not rule out the possibility of nerve irritation due to disc bulging or herniation.  Push for your doctor, if indicated, to do an MRI of the cervical spine.

The thumb, index finger, and outside aspect of the lower arm are all involved with the C6 nerve root, coming out of the lower part of the neck.

I have had several patients in my career that have had pain into their arms that has originated in from problems with the rotator cuff muscles of the shoulder, so this is another possibility.

You also have to consider other neurological issues, such as thoracic outlet syndrome, ulnar nerve entrapment, or even carpal tunnel syndrome.

One thing that might be beneficial is an NCV, or nerve conduction velocity test.

I hope that this helps you a little bit.

Keith Biggs, DC
http://www.eastmesachiropractor.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thank you so much for your response! You've hit on everything with your advice.  Got the xray results today and there is some mild disc narrowingcompression of the C5/C6 and lesser narrowing present at C4-C5 and C6-C7. Then some medical words I don't understnad like straightening with loss of the usual lordosis. ??? no idea.
So, yes my doctor is following up with a CT scan like you had mentioned! Great news, but a bit of a wait on that. Then a MRI depending on the results.
BUT, you mentioned rotator cuff muscles in the shoulder being of some concern. Intrestingly enough, yes, I've had an injury to that shoulder by dislocating it a couple times after a vehicle accident about 20 years ago, plus my clavical at the top of shoulder sticks up/out from having it fractured. Could I be experiencing residual trouble now, and is there anything that can make it better? by physiotherapy or surgery?
You have some great insight! Thanks again.

Answer
I don't know if your symptoms are related to your neck degenerative changes or to your shoulder injuries, or to something else completely different.  When I answered your first question, I was simply giving thoughts of potential reasons for your pain. It is your doctor's responsibility to diagnose you correctly so that appropriate treatment can be obtained.  You can do physical therapy/rehabilitation to the shoulder, but if it is not the cause of your current pain, it will have no impact on your symptoms.

Good luck. I hope you feel better soon.

Keith Biggs, DC