Strange shoulder numbness

[sue320]

For over a year now I've had shoulder numbness while doing certain things...mostly, while sitting at the computer and using the mouse or typing. It's the strangest sensation and not painful, just odd and uncomfortable. It's actually just below the shoulder joint. Anyone familiar with this? I wonder if it's nerve damage or carpal tunnel (for the shoulder...although I don't even know if that's a possibility).

Thanks for any clarification.

Sue<><

 

[Calico]

Hi Sue,

It could well be carpel tunnel (though not of the shoulder,LOL), carpel tunnel can effect the shoulder and arm as well. The tingling and numbness you are experiencing sound like what I have when I sleep at night, my whole arm feels like it is going to sleep. It actually wakes me up due to the uncomfortableness of it. I am wearing a wrist brace at night so my arm doesn't fall asleep anymore(keeps my wrist stable) and it is working. Did you happen to have carpel tunnel during any of your pregnancies? That is how I got carpel tunnel was during my pregnancies, and now it only flares up at night or if I use my hands above my head for an extended amt. of time like doing my hair. As far as the computer goes make sure that you aren't putting undo pressure on your wrist while typing, sort of like playing a piano, lift you wrist off the desk when typing and see if that helps some. It probably also has to do with the angle in which you are sitting and typing.

HTH some!! ;-)

 

[Lakeside]

Hi Sue,

I get a numbness behind my left shoulder when I am seated while at the computer or sewing machine. I am right-handed. I had carpal tunnel a few years back in my right hand and wore a wrist support at night for it. However, lately I have also had a continual numbness in the small finger of my left hand. This is called ulnar nerve entrapment and involves the cubital tunnel. Since this is on my left side as well as the shoulder numbness, I also wonder if they are not related. This finger numbness is much worse at night if I don't keep the elbow and wrist straight. I am suppposed to schedule a visit with a specialist for nerve tests to pinpoint what is going on.

Bea

 

[CathydsRNA]

Hi, it could be a nerve compression but definitely not carpal tunnel. I have an extra rib in my neck called a cervical rib and it results in compression of the brachial plexus (with nerve, muscle and arterial compression) that causes weakness and numbness in my shoulder girdle area. For me, I can alleviate with good upper body stretching. Best to check with a doc if it persists. Cathy

 

[sue320]

Thanks all. When I did check with doc (when it first showed up) he said (based on what precipitated said issue) that it sounded as if I'd strained a nerve (go figure). I thought it would have healed by now. Guess I'll bring it up at my next appointment.

Thanks again.

Sue<><