Dear Doc,
When I bend over and stretch and reach for something, I feel a prickling, straining sensation all along my left arm. I am left-handed and would usually reach for stuff with this hand.
I was checking for a while to see if it happens with my right arm, but it is not as noticeable. Can you tell me what this is? Has it got something to do with my heart? – Hester
Dear Hester,
Thank you for your question. If the pain is associated with movement the probability of it being related to your heart is low. Of course , although rare, it is not impossible, but cardiac (heart) related conditions associated with left arm pain with no other symptoms are more likely seen in diabetics or menopausal women who are less likely to present with the typical symptoms of chest pain.
The fact that you are left-handed and the pain tends to occur with movement would make me think it is more likely to be muscular; for example, a muscle strain. In addition the mention of tingling makes me want to consider if there is some sort of irritation or damage to a nerve. For example, as may occur in cervical spinal stenosis, or “pinched nerve”. This can occur sometimes when individuals wear heavy handbags over the shoulder and squeeze the underlying nerve supply which can lead to pain, numbness and tingling down the corresponding arm.
These are all possible diagnoses; however, to confirm you would need to be examined and the appropriate investigations done such as an X-ray of the neck or even the shoulder. Please consult your primary care physician for physical examination to determine the exact cause.
