QuestionQUESTION: for about 3 weeks now i have been having pain in my left arm. it starts at my armpit and sometimes goes down to my elbow. it almost feels numb or "asleep" and seems to be getting worse everyday. i am 29 years old, and do not have insurance so i wanted to know if i should have this checked out or if it might just go away. any information that you could give me will be helpful.
ANSWER: Hi Shawn,
There is crucial big nerves that are located right above the armpits called the brachial axis. The nerves runs from your armpits down to your fingers. From the armpits, it runs to the spinal cord. Most of the problems concerning the same symptoms you've described are due to injury. The most common self-limited injury is due to your sleeping position. If you're sleeping on your left side, it may compress the nerves thus causing the symptoms. If you had used underarm crutches, it may compress the nerve as well. Other trauma related injuries to the nerve include direct blow or dislocation of the arm. Dislocation of the arm may compress, irritate, or damage the nerve. A direct blow to the arm may cause much more serious injury.
If the nerve continues to compress, it may lead to serious longterm injury. Thus, increasing the risk of losing function of the arm, forearm, hands, or fingers.
I do understand the situation of being uninsured. You may seek help from a public health clinic located throughout the US. The public health clinic charges a set fee for care, usually $40 for the entire visit that includes consultation with a physician, laboratory blood tests, imaging studies (x-rays, mri, mra, ct, etc), and medications. They also offer an Ability-to-Pay (ATP) program. This program allows you to pay a fee based on your income. So, you can get the treatment for free or at half-cost. The government subsidizes the rest of the $40. Please note that I am only referring to public health clinics in the US. You can either call your local department of health for more information about public health clinics or your state's department of health and human services. There is also clinics located at University Hospitals. These services are provided by residents in training, however, all care are supervised by an attending physician. The care is usually double in time as you'll be seen by both the resident and the attending.
Regards,
John T, MD
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: i was wondering if there was any other reason for the brchial axis to become compressed other than the reasons that you had stated above. because none of these reasons apply to my situation. i have not been injured, and do not sleep on my left side. i also wrote that i have had these symptoms for 3 weeks and i meant 3 months, and they have gotten worse. when they first started on a scale of 1 to 10 they were 2 now they are an 8. the pain applies throughout the entire day. the time i feel the worst pain is when i am sitting down.... any other help you can give is appreciated.
AnswerThere are various problems that may cause your problem. However, it is very premature for me to list every possible reason as I have not examine you and obtain a thorough medical history.
Under New York State Law, all physicians must perform a thorough history and examination of the patient prior to providing diagnosis and management. Thus, I am prohibited from providing further information as this is a medical education forum provided to the public. It is not a substitute for medical care. I do recommended that you seek medical attention from your healthcare provider.
Again, you may want to seek advisory from a public healthcare clinic in your local jurisdiction.
Regards,
John T, MD
