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While arm pain and numbness are often caused by conditions originating in the cervical spine—such as herniated disks or bone spurs—these symptoms can be attributed to other conditions as well. A nerve can be compressed anywhere along the path from the spinal cord to wrist. Common peripheral nerve compression syndromes include both carpal and cubital tunnel syndromes.
Carpal tunnel syndrome results from medial nerve compression at the wrist and causes numbness of the thumb, index and long fingers. Symptoms often occur at night, while driving or using a telephone. If conservative measures such as physical therapy or braces fail, surgical release of the compression with a small incision is usually successful.
Cubital tunnel syndrome occurs from ulnar nerve compression at the elbow. Flexing the elbow often results in symptoms such as numbness and tingling of the ring and small fingers. If splinting the elbow fails, surgical release of the nerve on the inside of the elbow provides effective relief.
If you are experiencing pain, tingling or numbness in your arms or hands, consult with your doctor. He or she will most likely be able to determine where the affected nerve is compressed and then put you in touch with a specialist.
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