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What Causes Weakness In Left Arm?

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Posted on Sat, 7 Jun 2014
Question: I can't lift heavy objects above my chest with left arm. No pain. Muscles feel fine. I can raise heavy objects with it if I use my other hand to push arm up. Did have a pinched nerve in neck about a month ago. Also got a tablet recently and hold in left arm. And that was before pinched nerve. It wil be sore if I hold it long though.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Seems to be pinched nerve in neck.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for your query.

Weakness in your left arm seems to be pinched nerve in neck. Most probable reason for your symptoms could be postural problem as you are holding tablet for long time .

You may need to take x ray/MRI spine to see for severity of nerve compression.
Some medication like methylcobalamine will help, you can take them consulting your treating doctor.

Some exercises which can be done include- gradual neck rotation, touching your ears to shoulder, shoulder shrugging exercises. You may consult physiotherapist for further guidance. He may start INTERFERENCE THERAPY, ULTRASONIC THERAPY, which are helpful in your case.

Some life style modifications for you – Take break every 40 min from computer and do some neck rotation, stretches, walk and get back to work. Sit with taking support to your neck, do not use thick pillow in bed.

I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query.

Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Saurabh Gupta (35 hours later)
thanks for the quick response. Should I not do activities that may aggrivate it? I don't have insurance so doctor visit will be expensive. I have been doing the neck exersices you recomended. How long does this usually last? I will try that medication also.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (24 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Do not do activities that aggravate the condition

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Yes, You should not do any activities that aggravate the condition. Continue doing neck exercises. It will strengthen the muscles around neck and decreases the severity of nerve compression. This will usually take 4-6 weeks to last.

Wishing you speedy recovery...

Warm regards.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Saurabh Gupta

Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 5930 Questions

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What Causes Weakness In Left Arm?

Brief Answer: Seems to be pinched nerve in neck. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for your query. Weakness in your left arm seems to be pinched nerve in neck. Most probable reason for your symptoms could be postural problem as you are holding tablet for long time . You may need to take x ray/MRI spine to see for severity of nerve compression. Some medication like methylcobalamine will help, you can take them consulting your treating doctor. Some exercises which can be done include- gradual neck rotation, touching your ears to shoulder, shoulder shrugging exercises. You may consult physiotherapist for further guidance. He may start INTERFERENCE THERAPY, ULTRASONIC THERAPY, which are helpful in your case. Some life style modifications for you – Take break every 40 min from computer and do some neck rotation, stretches, walk and get back to work. Sit with taking support to your neck, do not use thick pillow in bed. I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query. Take care