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What Causes Tingling in the Left Arm?

S. Ashraf
S. Ashraf

Tingling in the left arm can be caused by many conditions, but generally happens as a result of some irregularity in how the nerves are functioning in the arm. These conditions might be serious, such as a heart attack or stroke, but they also can be temporary and minor, such as a momentary blockage in blood circulation that causes the left arm to simply “fall asleep.” Tingling is experienced in different ways, depending on the individual. For some, tingling is felt as a sensation of "pins and needles" running up and down the arm. It also is often described as a sensation of prickling, burning or numbness.

One of the most common reasons for tingling in the left arm is abnormal blood circulation. Even temporarily, pressure on the nerves or blood vessels in the arm can cause a feeling of numbness or tingling. Sleeping in such a way that blood can’t sufficiently flow through the arm can cause the "pins and needles" sensation. Jewelry worn on the arm can get in the way of good circulation, as can clothes that are too tight. Shoulder bags and the straps from backpacks also can restrict the flow of blood enough to cause tingling in the arm.

Tingling in the left arm could be a sign of a heart attack.
Tingling in the left arm could be a sign of a heart attack.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is another common condition that can result in a tingling feeling. This syndrome can cause the median nerve in the wrist to be subjected to an unusual amount of pressure and compression. Pinched or damaged nerves in the left arm such as this can directly cause tingling. Spinal disorders can also result in nerve damage that affects the left arm. Dislocated or bulging discs might cause pressure that disrupts blood circulation to the arm and results in tingling sensations.

Typing on a keyboard can be hard on the wrists, possibly aggravating carpal tunnel problems and causing tingling in the arms.
Typing on a keyboard can be hard on the wrists, possibly aggravating carpal tunnel problems and causing tingling in the arms.

Another frequent cause of left arm tingling is thoracic outlet syndrome. This syndrome occurs when blood vessels or nerves are compressed in the base of the neck as they travel through to the arm or armpit. Poor posture, obesity and repetitive strain injuries can all cause this syndrome which, in turn, leads to tingling in the left arm. In addition, diseases that cause nerve damage, such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis, also might be factors in the presence of tingling sensations in an extremity such as the arm.

A weak pulse is a sign of poor circulation, which may cause tingling in the arms.
A weak pulse is a sign of poor circulation, which may cause tingling in the arms.

Left arm tingling also can be the symptom of a very serious medical problem, such as heart attack or stroke. For this reason, it is advisable for anyone who experiences this condition to consult a medical professional. He or she might suggest further medical tests to determine the exact cause.

Discussion Comments

clintflint

@indigomoth - It can be very terrifying to suddenly feel numbness and tingling in your left arm. I used to get it sometimes when I was riding my bike and I was convinced that I was about to die and would often pull over and worry about whether I should call an ambulance.

But eventually I figured out that it often happened when I was riding on rough roads and it was probably the vibrations from the road surface messing around with my hands since they were gripping the bike handles.

I guess the biggest clue was that both arms would feel pretty much the same, rather than it being in just one.

indigomoth

@umbra21 - That's interesting to know. My aunt is always terrified that she's about to have a heart attack because she gets a tingle in her left arm, but she also carries around a huge bag everywhere, and I think the strap cuts into her shoulder.

I've heard that you can actually cause nerve damage by constantly carrying a heavy bag on one shoulder, but she never listens to me about it.

umbra21

I think a lot of people are now aware of the fact that pain or tingling in your left arm can be a symptom of heart attack. Often, though, it's a symptom in men and women have pains in other places, like in the back or neck.

I've heard that this is such common knowledge, that often TV shows and films will only use men in scenes where there is a heart attack, because people simply don't know the right symptoms for female heart attacks and wouldn't recognize them.

And there have been cases where a woman didn't know she was having a heart attack because her left arm was fine, even though she had other symptoms.

So, don't just rely on common knowledge, make sure you educate yourself on what might really happen, so that you can recognize symptoms if they ever happen to you or someone you care about.

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    • Tingling in the left arm could be a sign of a heart attack.
      By: Alila
      Tingling in the left arm could be a sign of a heart attack.
    • Typing on a keyboard can be hard on the wrists, possibly aggravating carpal tunnel problems and causing tingling in the arms.
      By: StockPhotosArt
      Typing on a keyboard can be hard on the wrists, possibly aggravating carpal tunnel problems and causing tingling in the arms.
    • A weak pulse is a sign of poor circulation, which may cause tingling in the arms.
      By: koszivu
      A weak pulse is a sign of poor circulation, which may cause tingling in the arms.
    • Injury to the wrist may cause tingling in the left arm.
      By: mady70
      Injury to the wrist may cause tingling in the left arm.
    • Momentary blockage in blood circulation may cause tingling in the left arm.
      By: Alexandr Mitiuc
      Momentary blockage in blood circulation may cause tingling in the left arm.
    • A tingling in the left arm may be a sign of a heart attack.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      A tingling in the left arm may be a sign of a heart attack.
    • Obesity can cause thoracic outlet syndrome.
      By: viperagp
      Obesity can cause thoracic outlet syndrome.
    • People with multiple sclerosis may experience tingling in the left arm.
      By: joshya
      People with multiple sclerosis may experience tingling in the left arm.