What to Know About Arm Numbness (2024)

It’s understandable to be worried about numbness in your right or left arm. Keep in mind that the sensation may be temporary, caused by something like sleeping in the wrong position, which is nothing to be concerned about.

However, numbness may be caused by a sudden health emergency, nerve disorder, or nutritional deficiency. If numbness recurs or includes symptoms like chest pain or dizziness, seek medical assistance right away.

Determining whether numbness occurs suddenly or gradually and whether there are other symptoms can help your healthcare provider diagnose and treat the condition.

What to Know About Arm Numbness (1)

Poor Circulation

Poor blood circulation in your arm could cause numbness and tingling because the nerves cannot get enough oxygen. A number of conditions can interfere with normal blood flow. These include:

  • Atherosclerosis, plaque buildup in the arteries that may require medication or surgery
  • Severe frostbite that can damage the blood vessels; it may be resolved with proper warming and wound care, but some cases may require amputation
  • Vasculitis, inflammation of the blood vessels that can be treated with medication

Sleep Position

One of the most common examples of sudden numbness and tingling is the feeling that your arm has"fallen asleep." This usually occurs after sleeping in a poor position or leaning on the arm for a long time.

Known as paresthesia, this sensation is related to the compression or irritation of nerves.

Sleeping on your stomach is likely to cause loss of blood flow to the nerves while side sleeping may be less of a risk as long as you keep your wrists straight. Paying attention to proper spine alignment when you sleep is the best way to prevent arm numbness.

Nerve Injuries and Disorders

While arm numbness related to sleep positions or temporary pressure resolves on its own quickly, other nerve issues may be more serious.

Numbness that persists may be related to an injury or underlying health problem that affects the brachial plexus, a group of nerves that runs from the lower neck to the upper shoulders and controls movement and sensation in the arms.

Possible injuries that affect these nerves include:

  • Herniated disc, caused by aging or trauma and resulting in the soft material in the center of a disc leaking out and pressing on the nerve root.
  • Birth injuries such as Erb-Duchenne palsy and Klumpke's palsy
  • Burner or stinger injuries that affect the neck and shoulders and are often related to impact sports injuries
  • Backpacker's palsy caused by pressure on the shoulders
  • Traumatic nerve root avulsion, a severe injury in which spinal nerves are damaged

Diseases and disorders that can cause numbness in the arms include conditions that affect the nervous system such as multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, Raynaud phenomenon,and shingles (herpes zoster).

When Numbness Is a Sign of a Serious Health Condition

  • Stroke: This is a medical emergency in which a blockage prevents blood from getting to the brain. One sign of a stroke is a tingling sensation on one side of the body. You may also be unable to move one or more limbs. Seek emergency medical care to treat a stroke.
  • Heart disease: When your heart is damaged, blood cannot flow and it can lead to a minor or major heart attack. Signs of a heart attack include numbness in one or both arms (it's not always the left arm). Pressure and pain in the chest and shortness of breath are other signs that you should call 911 and get medical attention immediately.
  • Osteoarthritis of the spine: Wear and tear in the spine's joints can lead to spinal stenosis, the narrowing of the spinal canal that causes the nerves to be compressed. Physical therapy and medication are used to manage spinal stenosis.
  • Cancer: Neoplasm, tumors, can affect the nerves of thebrachial plexus causing loss of feeling in the arms. Cancers of the breast and lung are most likely to cause this problem.
  • Diabetes: Loss of feeling in your arms can be a sign of peripheral neuropathy, which is commonly caused by uncontrolled diabetes. Treatment requires you to manage your blood sugar; oral and topical medications may also be used.

Medication and Arm Numbness

The relationship between arm numbness and medication is complex:

  • Many medications, like Neurontin (gabapentin), can be used to alleviate the uncomfortable sensations of arm numbness.
  • Some medications may cause numbness as a side effect.
  • Some medications can cause complications—and arm numbness could be a symptom of the complications.

Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all medications you’re taking to determine a relationship between the medication and your sensory changes.

Vitamin Deficiency

Diabetes is not the only cause of peripheral neuropathy. Nutritional deficiencies and vitamin imbalances can also damage nerves and cause a loss of sensation in the left or right arm.

The most common sources of problems are a vitamin B12 deficiency and an excess of vitamin B6. Alcohol dependence and other disorders that affect nutritional intake can also lead to nerve damage.

Summary

Arm numbness or tingling are fairly common symptoms that can be caused by various medical conditions. Sometimes this symptom results from your arm “falling asleep,” and it could resolve after just a few minutes.

However, arm numbness and tingling may also occur due to neuropathy, a chronic and progressive type of nerve damage. It may also suddenly occur due to serious conditions, such as a heart attack or a stroke.

If you are experiencing a sudden onset of arm or hand numbness lasting more than a few minutes, you should seek prompt medical attention. If you’ve been having intermittent numbness in your arms or hands, you should make an appointment to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible.

11 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Paresthesia.

  2. Bryan, L., Singh, A. "Numbness in Hands While Sleeping: Causes and Remedies." Sleep Foundation.

  3. Mount Sinai. Brachial plexopathy.

  4. Smith SM, McMullen CW, Herring SA. Differential Diagnosis for the Painful Tingling Arm.Curr Sports Med Rep. 2021;20(9):462-469. doi:10.1249/JSR.0000000000000877

  5. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Vasculitis.

  6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Stroke signs and symptoms.

  7. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. What Is a Heart Attack?

  8. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Spinal Stenosis Basics.

  9. Johns Hopkins. Peripheral Neuropathy.

  10. Senderovich H, Jeyapragasan G. Is there a role for combined use of gabapentin and pregabalin in pain control? Too good to be true? Curr Med Res Opin. 2018;34(4):677-682. doi:10.1080/03007995.2017.1391756

  11. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Peripheral Neuropathy.

What to Know About Arm Numbness (2)

By Heidi Moawad, MD
Dr. Moawad is a neurologist and expert in brain health. She regularly writes and edits health content for medical books and publications.

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What to Know About Arm Numbness (2024)

FAQs

How do you know if arm numbness is serious? ›

You should call a healthcare provider right away if you have a numb left arm plus any of the following symptoms:
  1. Confusion, dizziness or trouble with coordination.
  2. Discolored skin.
  3. Headache.
  4. Nausea or vomiting.
  5. Pain in your chest, back, neck, face or shoulder.
  6. Paralysis in your shoulder, arm, hand or face.

How do you treat numbness in the arm? ›

Treatments for arm numbness will depend on the cause. A doctor can recommend a treatment plan if arm numbness stems from cervical spinal stenosis, migraine, or other conditions. Ways to soothe arm numbness include physical therapy, exercise, and wearing a pressure wrap.

How do you know if numbness is serious? ›

Contact your provider if:
  • Numbness or tingling has no obvious cause (like a hand or foot "falling asleep")
  • You have pain in your neck, forearm, or fingers.
  • You are urinating more often.
  • Numbness or tingling is in your legs and gets worse when you walk.
  • You have a rash.

What physical exam is done for arm numbness? ›

Healthcare providers diagnose numbness based on your symptoms, medical history and a physical exam (testing touch, temperature, reflexes and muscle function). Your provider will ask you about the affected body part(s) and ask you to describe the numbness. Other questions will include: When the numbness started.

Should I go to urgent care for numbness in arm? ›

If the arm numbness is sudden and unexplained, then it is important that you head over to an emergency room as soon as possible for assessment. If also the arm numbness comes soon after a recent head injury, then you shouldn't take any chances and waste any time but should head over to the emergency room.

What nerve can cause arm numbness? ›

Ulnar nerve compression is a nerve disorder that can cause numbness, pain, or tingling in the arm, hand, or fingers. When you bend your elbow, the ulnar nerve—which travels from the shoulder to the hand—wraps around a bony ridge on the inside of the elbow called the medial epicondyle.

What helps numbness go away fast? ›

Taking a brisk walk, going for a bike ride, or even a few minutes of jumping jacks will aid in naturally reducing numbness. Being active stimulates blood flow in the body, which helps to carry the anesthesia away from the injection site.

How long does it take for a numb arm to go away? ›

Arm numbness may last anywhere from a few days to several years, depending on what is causing the condition and how soon you seek medical attention. Getting treatment early can keep it from worsening and help you recover faster.

What doctor to see for arm numbness? ›

If you have been experiencing numbness and/or tingling that is ongoing, whether frequent or infrequent, contact a neurologist and check out the reason for the reaction. The sooner you get an answer, the sooner you can receive treatment and experience some relief.

What happens if you ignore numbness? ›

If numbness has been present a long time, particularly in the feet, it can lead to other problems. People may have difficulty walking and driving and may be more likely to fall. They may not notice infections, foot sores (ulcers), and injuries because they cannot sense pain as well.

Should I go to the ER if I feel numb? ›

Call 911 or get emergency medical help if your numbness:

Begins suddenly, particularly if you also have weakness or paralysis, confusion, trouble talking, dizziness, or a sudden, very bad headache.

What is the best medicine for numbness? ›

Treatment
  • amitriptyline.
  • duloxetine.
  • pregabalin.
  • gabapentin.

How can I test my numbness at home? ›

Home Tests

These are standard orthopedic/neurological tests and results, positive or negative, should be verified by a chiropractic physician. In the Tinel test, tap on the median nerve in the patient's wrist. The test is positive when tingling in the fingers or a resultant shock-like sensation occurs.

How do they check for nerve damage in your arm? ›

Electrodes placed at two different points in the body measure how well electrical signals pass through the nerves. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of areas affected by nerve damage. Ultrasound.

How do doctors test for numbness? ›

Electromyogram. An electromyogram evaluates how the nerves and muscles work together by measuring electrical impulses along nerves, nerve roots, and muscles. To perform this test, the doctor inserts a tiny needle—an electrode that conducts an electrical current—through the skin and into the muscle.

Which arm goes numb before you have a stroke? ›

You can have left arm numbness due to your sleeping position or an injury. But it can also indicate underlying health conditions, including heart attack or stroke, that may need medical attention. Left arm numbness could be due to something as simple as how you sleep or as serious as a heart attack.

When is numbness an emergency? ›

Also seek emergency medical care if your numbness is accompanied by: Weakness or paralysis. Confusion. Trouble talking.

When should I worry about pins and needles in my arm? ›

Most cases of pins and needles are temporary. The sensation disappears after the pressure is taken off the affected area. See your GP if you constantly have pins and needles or if it keeps coming back. It may be a sign of a more serious underlying health condition.

Does numbness always mean nerve damage? ›

These sensations can occur after sitting or standing in a particular position or even wearing tight clothing for too long. This puts pressure on nerves and blood vessels, reducing sensation. Long-term, severe, or disabling numbness and tingling is usually a sign of neurological conditions or nerve damage.

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