Why is my finger numb?

[FiddleFit]

Hi. Is anybody able to help me with this situation? I find that when I do upper body weight work using heavy dumbells (12-20lbs), a few hours *after* the workout, the tip of the third finger on my left hand goes numb. Today I noticed as well that there is a mild, intermittent aching extending down the back of my left arm, from shoulder, through the elbow, and slightly into the forearm/wrist. The ache is strongest at the back of the elbow. It took me a while to connect this numbness with the weight work, because while doing the work I feel no discomfort whatsoever. I can't even tell you which particular move is causing this. The numbness eventually dissipates on its own, but it's annoying while it's here, and I imagine I should heed it as a sign that something is not right. I kind of think that since it occurs hours after the workout, maybe something is swelling and pressing on a nerve or a blood vessel? Does anybody else experience something like this?

Thanks,
Sandra

 

[Maximus]

I never have, but I'd suggest you see a dr. ASAP. Numbness in any extremity is not something you want to fool around with. Not to panic you or anything--it could be something very simple, but you really should get it checked out.

 

[endorphin_junkie]

Hey Sandra Sounds like you have a pretty good idea what's going on. The innervation responsible for that middle finger numbness courses out of spinal column, out the neck, down in and under a bunch of boney and muscular structures down the shoulder, in through the armpit, down the arm, around the elbow through a membrane in your forearm and finally through that pesky carpal tunnel, wheeew, quite a circuit!!! Where the arm meets the trunk is anatomically 'spaghetti juction', there is so much going on it's a wonder we don't all have numb middle fingers!!

Heavy upper body work is very demanding on the arm and shoulder which is great but if anything along the way is impinged or inflamed you start to feel all sorts of not so pleasant things. Shoulder girdle stretches as well as tricep and forearm stretches should help especially when your muscles are very warm. Google 'thoracic outlet syndrome' and maybe that will help some.

Take Care
Laurie

edited to say that I am in no way saying that you have Thoracic Outlet Syndrome just wanted to direct you to a visual of the anatomy related to your numbness It's just the anatomy geek in me, I get far too excited about this stuff:7

 

[FiddleFit]

Thanks a million, Laurie! I'll check it out! I am very pleased that you are an anatomy geek. I think it's interesting, too. Years ago I bought an Anatomy Colouring Book, just 'cause I thought it was a fun way to teach myself about what was inside. Arts and crafts with a purpose!

Sandra

 

[FiddleFit]

Okay, I checked it out, and found this statement: "Compression may occur with repetitive activities that require the arms to be held overhead." Like overhead shoulder presses, I'm thinking? I did a bunch of those in C&W yesterday. I also get this for sure when I do SH, which has those overhead tricep extensions and the shoulder presses again. I think you're right, Laurie, that after doing a workout like this I need to really focus on stretching the upper back/chest/shoulder area. What is a "shoulder girdle stretch"?

Sandra