Numbness

Why does my Arm Go Numb

Max. D Gray
By Max. D Gray. Updated: January 16, 2017
Why does my Arm Go Numb

Our body often presents symptoms and signs that leave us scratching our head as to the reasons behind this. A common question is why the arm falls asleep, a sensation that most people will have felt in different parts of the body. It is a condition that can easily occur and that, initially, is not a cause for alarm. When it occurs sporadically, it does not tend to be symptomatic of any serious problem. However, when this tingling happens on a regular basis, it could be indicative of something worse. OneHowTo explains why the arm goes numb.

Contents

  1. Paraesthesia
  2. The most common cause
  3. Numb arm caused by fibromyalgia
  4. Carpal tunnel syndrome
  5. A nerve injury
  6. Should I see a doctor?

Paraesthesia

The tingling in the arm or other extremity of the body is known as paraesthesia. This condition is manifested by temporary or chronic numbness of a body part. It's normally caused by pressure on the arteries responsible for supplying oxygen to the nerves. Paraesthesia can occur anywhere in the body, most commonly in the arms, legs, hands and feet. It is also known as numbness, tingling, numbness and burning, among others.

The most common cause

If you are wondering why the arms go numb, the answer is usually the same in most cases. Numbness in a limb is a result of pressure in the arteries which hinders the blood supply and oxygen, preventing the emission of impulses. In most cases, this happens when we stay in the same position for too long or when we fall asleep on one arm. In this situation, signals produced by the skin to the brain are inhibited, which is why he arm goes numb. When this happens, we should stop this pressure to facilitate blood flow and oxygen supply.

Why does my Arm Go Numb - The most common cause

Numb arm caused by fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a disorder that produces muscle aches and fatigue, as well as pain and general sensitivity in the body. The causes of this condition are unknown, although some factors may be related: car accidents, recurring injuries, certain diseases, etc. One of the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia is numbness in hands and feet. This could be another reason for numbness in the arm.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

This is a condition in which there is excessive pressure on the median nerve on the wrist which is responsible for sensitivity and mobility of certain parts of the hand. This condition can lead to different symptoms, including numbness, tingling and weakness of the hand and fingers.

Why does my Arm Go Numb - Carpal tunnel syndrome

A nerve injury

Another reason why the arm falls asleep may be injury to the nerve responsible for the function on this limb. In addition, a person with a nerve injury in one part of the body may experience numbness in other, seemingly unrelated areas. It may also be that the explanation for a numb arm is related to constant pressure of the spinal nerve. In these cases, the cause is a herniated disc in which a vertebra presses the nerve, causing pain, numbness, tingling and the feeling that the arm is asleep. Other conditions such as arteriosclerosis could also explain numbness of the arm, as it involves poor circulation. This is as a result of hardening of the arteries and the accumulation of fat in them.

Should I see a doctor?

If the arm feels numb from time to time as a result of pressure, and recovers normally when the pressure stops, in principle it is not necessary to see a doctor. This is because it does not suggest a disease or a serious disorder. However, if numbness or tingling occurs as a symptom of a disease, a condition or disorder, it will be necessary that a specialist makes a diagnosis so that suitable treatment can be administered to treat the cause and eliminate the symptoms.

This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to Why does my Arm Go Numb, we recommend you visit our Family health category.

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