Question
Hi Doctor Kulla.

I am a female, 26 years old, 5ft, 1in, 130 lbs (I don't know if that matters). I experienced a sharp pain in my left collar bone which then began to travel down my left arm, leaving it feeling heavy, numb, and finally painful. The sensation lasted for ten minutes before I took an aspirin. After 3 minutes the feeling returned to my arm and after about 10 minutes, the pain subsided. I was seated on my couch, with my legs folded underneath me "Indian style" when the symptoms occurred.

I also experience numbness in both my hands (at different times). I type a lot at work, I'd say about 70% of my duties include typing. I sometimes lose grip while holding on to things, ie: hairbrush and pole in train. I've had people tell me that it could be an early sign on carpel tunnel and I should also have my cholesterol checked. The feelings I experienced in my left arm were not like the hand numbness I've experienced before.

The feelings I had in my left arm scared me and I set up an appointment with my doctor, however, I am very nervous and I was hoping to get some insight before I meet with him.

Could you tell me what the pain in my left arm may have been due to? Also, does the numbness I described in my hands sound like carpal tunnel?

I really appreciate your time and professional opinion.

Answer
you most likely have a pinched nerve in your neck. if you have neck pain or stiffness then it is probably that. another thing it could be is thoracic outlet syndrome (but a dr would need to examine you to determine that). A chiropractor can fix that but you may want to have some x rays taken (especially if you have had a car accident or other trauma in last few years)
Your hands sound like carpal tunnel syndrome. if numbness gets worse at night then it definitely is CTS. There is a brand new treatment for that, called cold laser. We utilize this procedure in our office. It's non invasive , inexpensive and effective.