Can a pinched nerve render an arm and hand useless?

Question

my left arm and had are not working. 4 days now. no pain, no numbness. i can feel them - i just cannot control them or use them. does anyone have any kind of guess about possible reasons???? a few people have guessed pinched nerves but i thought that would cause pain. there is no pain...just cannot use or control arm or hand. any thoughts????? no medcal benefits for 2 more weeks!!! SOS! Info: F, 37 yrs old, otherwise good health. plz answer. thank you.

And which kind of doctor, specifically?

Answer 1

It does sound like a neurological problem somewhere. Likely if it were a pinched nerve the problem may be in your cervical spine like a herniated disc to to that to you. You do require an eval. as this is not something to mess around with.

Answer 2

I think it is a pinched nerve. Could be something else but I am not a Doctor and I think you need to see one to get a correct diagnosis. I have a leg that was basically reconstructed several years back. NOW every once in a while it lets go like it isn't even there. No pain nothing the leg just kind of disappears. I have spoken to my Doctor, but I am NOT letting him go back in for more surgery. Pinched nerve was the diagnosis for me.

Answer 3

I'm afraid the others may be right. The loss of motor function in your arm in the absence of pain or sensory changes may indicate a more serious condition, such as stroke, or other process affecting the brain and/or spinal cord (especially in combination with symptoms like changes in speech, or being dizzy). In my experience, a 'pinched nerve' almost always involves pain and/or sensory changes. At the very least the motor weakness would be localised to one or two 'regions' of the arm, and not the entire arm. Get to a hospital or primary care physician as soon as possible. Stay calm, it may NOT be nasty, but best to make sure, as the sooner you get it sorted, the better your recovery is likely to be.

Answer 4

No pain, no numbness ? A pinched nerve usually causes numbness but without seeing you or having a much more comprehensive history, I am not going to guess at what you problem may be and don't let you friends guess either. See a Dr. as soon as possible and get things sorted out professionally.

Answer 5

My sense of this problem is that you have a spinal problem, not a pinched nerve. In any case, I would suggest you go to the emergency room. It is my understanding that you can get temporary help with your hospital bill through the state. You can tell them when you get there, (do not say anything about insurance in two weeks), that you don't have the ability to pay anything and can they get you a Medi-Cal card. Frequently they can help with this. There are lots of reasons for this, none of them good. Stroke, Spinal Meningitis, among others. Get there, dear, we like you in one piece!

Answer 6

It sure can, if you possibly can see a doctor.

In the mean time try rolling a towel, a small roll, put it on the floor and center your spine over it. Keep your knees bent so you do not put strain on your back. Put your arms in the air and raise the over your head. Hold for ten seconds. Do this 3 times 3 times a day to see if you can loosen the muscles, they are probably in spasm.

Answer 7

If you cannot use or control your arm and hand you need to go to the doctor immediately. I know you don't have benefits, but you can't just let this slide. Anything could have happened from carpal tunnel to a seizure.

Answer 8

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Answer 9

I do not want to scare you but ...
your symptoms may be signs of a stroke. A stroke is very serious. Go to your nearest emergency room NOW. Let's hope it is not a stroke, however, if it is, the sooner it is diagnosed and treated, the better you will be.

Best wishes and good luck.

Answer 10

that's really wierd, I suggest you go to a doctor as soon as possible before it becomes irreversible.