QuestionHello,
I have been suffering neck pain, pain between the left shoulder blade and the spine, and my left arm feels numb and so do my fingers. Although after suffering this for about two weeks, only my left thumb is numb, but my left arm still hurts. What do you think I should do? Should I massage my arm? If so how? I have been massaging it but it doesnt help much.
Thanks.
AnswerHi Mary,
My first guess is to start with your neck. Unless you injured your arm, I suspect your pain and numbness is starting in your neck. You can treat it with cold packs on the sides of your neck and tops of your shoulders.
Muscles on the sides of your neck can cause symptoms exactly where you have your symptoms. They are the scalene muscles. If they are tight they press on nerves. If they are tight they can also develop trigger points which cause pain in your shoulder and arm.
Cold helps reduce swelling and pain regardless of whether it's muscles or nerves causing the symptoms.
My second long-distance guess is to massage or use cold packs on your lower arm between your elbow and wrist.
Massage is good. You can use a tiny bit of any oil or even corn starch to get a little slide to your skin. That way you can slide deeper and deeper with your other hand. You can also use something like a tennis ball to roll on your arm.
While you are gliding look for any tight or tender areas. When you find them, just hang out and apply pressure for about 12 seconds. Then look for the next tender place. If you do NOT find any tender areas, you are probably not applying enough pressure to really go into the muscles. Try a little deeper.
I'm glad your symptoms are already going away. That shows you have a smart body. :)
Thank you for writing.
Warmest,
Kathryn
