What causes numbness in the arm?
Patient: During the evening I am awaken by a numbness in my arm, or sometimes both. It eventually goes away if I squeeze a rubber ball or just hang it over the side of the bed or hold it to my chest. Most of time when it wakes me my arm is above my head. What is causing this? Doctor: Hello, I have studied your case. Due to compression of nerve root there can be numbness in arm.Also there can be large disc bulge which is compressing over spinal cord.For these symptoms analgesic and neurotropic medication can be started.Till time, avoid lifting weights. You can consult physiotherapist for help.Physiotherapy like ultrasound and interferential therapy will give you relief.I will advise to check your vit B12 and vit D3 level.If nerve compression becomes symptomatically severe then surgical decompression will give permanent relief.Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries. Wishing you good health.