Tingling in Right & Left Arm: Causes and Treatment

Numbness in the hands or “tingling in the hands.” Sitting in the same position for long periods of time can affect blood circulation, causing tingling or numbness | GetWellGo

Tingling in Right & Left Arm: Causes and Treatment

  • Category

    General

  • Published By

    GetWellGo Team

  • Updated on

    09-May-2025

Tingling in Right Arm Causes

Numbness in the right arm may be caused by several possible reasons. Some of them are:

  • Nerve compression or pinched nerve: This can happen because of pressure on a nerve in the neck, upper back, or shoulder. A herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or even sleeping in an unusual position can be the reason.
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome: This results from the compression of the median nerve, which extends from the forearm through the palm of the hand. It typically causes numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand or arm.
  • Poor circulation: Impaired blood flow caused by a range of conditions, including peripheral artery disease, can cause tingling.
  • Diabetes: Diabetic neuropathy, which is a form of nerve damage from elevated blood glucose levels, can result in tingling in the limbs.
  • Vitamin deficiencies: Inadequate intake of vitamins, particularly B12, may cause symptoms such as tingling in the legs or arms.
  • Stroke: A tingling in the arm that comes on suddenly, particularly with accompanying weakness, slurred speech, or numbness, might be an indicator of a stroke. This is a medical emergency.
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS): This autoimmune condition impacts the central nervous system and may produce symptoms such as tingling or numbness in the arms or legs.
  • Injury: Any recent arm or shoulder injury might produce tingling if a nerve is affected.
  • Anxiety: Stress and anxiety may lead to hyperventilation and produce tingling in the arms and other areas of the body.

Tingling in Left Arm Causes

Tingling in the left arm can also have various causes, some of which are similar to those for the right arm, but certain conditions may be more associated with the left side, especially when it involves heart-related issues. Here are some potential causes:

  • Pinched nerve or compression of a nerve: Like with the right arm, compression of a nerve in the neck, upper back, or shoulder will cause tingling in the left arm. It may be from conditions such as a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or a poor sleeping position.
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome: Compression of the median nerve in the wrist can result in tingling, numbness, or weakness of the arm or hand.
  • Poor circulation: Diminished blood flow to the arm because of such conditions as peripheral artery disease will cause tingling sensations.
  • Vitamin deficiencies: Lack of vitamins such as B12 can result in nerve injury, causing tingling sensations on the arms or legs.
  • Heart problems (particularly with left arm): One of the more serious reasons for tingling in the left arm is a heart attack or angina (chest discomfort caused by decreased blood flow to the heart). This may lead to pain or tingling in the left arm, as well as other symptoms such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea, or lightheadedness. If this occurs suddenly, immediate medical attention should be sought.
  • Stroke: Similarly, tingling in the left arm can also be an indication of a stroke, especially when combined with other signs such as weakness, trouble speaking, or numbness on one side of the body. Stroke is an emergency that demands immediate attention.
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS): Being an autoimmune condition, MS can impact the central nervous system, causing symptoms such as tingling or numbness in the limbs, including the left arm.
  • Injury: An acute injury of the arm, shoulder, or neck may cause tingling if nerves are implicated.
  • Anxiety and stress: Similar to the right arm, tingling of the left arm can also be attributed to stress, anxiety, or panic attacks, particularly if hyperventilation is a factor.

Tingling in Arm at Night

Arm tingling at night can be caused by a number of factors. Some of the most common causes are:

  • Nerve compression or pinched nerve: Pressure on a nerve is one of the most frequent causes of arm tingling at night. This may occur when you sleep in a way that compresses a nerve in your neck, shoulder, or arm. This is particularly frequent if you rest with your arm at your head or body. Certain conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome or herniated disc are also responsible for tingling that becomes more evident when you rest at night.
  • Poor circulation: At night, your body becomes less active, and poor circulation may lead to the sensation of tingling, particularly if you are sleeping in a position that constricts blood flow through the arm. This may occur if your arm is positioned under your body or head or in some postures.
  • Thoracic outlet syndrome: This is when nerves or blood vessels between the collarbone and first rib are compressed. This may result in tingling or numbness in the arm, which may be more pronounced when lying down.
  • Restless leg syndrome: While usually occurring in the legs, restless leg syndrome may sometimes result in similar sensations in the arms, resulting in tingling or discomfort at night.
  • Vitamin deficiencies: Deficiency of necessary vitamins like B12 may result in nerve damage and hence tingling sensation in arms. This may be more prominent while you're lying down.
  • Sleeping posture: Lying down with the arm under the head or sleeping in a way that bends the arm in a funny manner can cause temporary tingling or "pins and needles" because of nerve pressure.
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This condition involves pressure on the median nerve in the wrist and can cause tingling, numbness, and pain, especially at night. This happens because your wrist may be bent during sleep, increasing pressure on the nerve.
  • Diabetes: People with diabetes may develop diabetic neuropathy, a condition that causes nerve damage and can result in tingling or numbness in the arms, especially at night.
  • Anxiety: At times, anxiety can cause hyperventilation or tension in muscles, which might produce tingling sensations in the arms, particularly when you're lying down at night and are more conscious of such sensations.
  • Cervical radiculopathy: When a nerve in the neck gets compressed or irritated, it might produce tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arms. The symptoms may get aggravated at night because of the way the neck lies when sleeping.

Numbness and Tingling in Arms

Numbness and tingling in the arms—usually a "pins and needles" feeling—are abnormal sensations that may be caused by a variety of different reasons. These include nerve entrapment (e.g., from sleeping awkwardly or pinched neck nerve), circulation problems, repetitive strain injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, vitamin deficiencies (notably B12), diabetes (resulting in peripheral neuropathy), or other more severe causes such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, or heart-related disorders (particularly involving the left arm).

Tingling in Arm and Fingers

Numbness and tingling in the arm and fingers are usually an indication of irritation or compression of a nerve. It can be transient or can be an indicator of a hidden condition. Causes include:

  • Pinched neck nerve (cervical radiculopathy): May cause tingling radiating from the neck to the shoulder, arm, and fingers.
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome: Compression of the median nerve at the wrist, typically results in tingling of the thumb, index, middle, and portion of the ring finger.
  • Cubital tunnel syndrome: Compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow, typically results in tingling of the ring and little fingers.
  • Thoracic outlet syndrome: Nerves or blood vessels are compressed between the neck and shoulder, resulting in tingling of the arm and hand.
  • Diabetic neuropathy: Nerve injury caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels can damage arms and hands.
  • Vitamin deficiencies, particularly B12: May impact nerve function.
  • Repetitive strain or overuse syndromes: Typing, lifting, or other repetitive arm movements may irritate nerves.
  • Poor circulation: Decreased blood flow from vascular disease or sustained pressure may lead to tingling.

Tingling in Arm and Chest

Arm and chest tingling is a symptom that must be given serious attention, particularly if it occurs suddenly or is accompanied by other symptoms. Here are possible causes—ranging from benign to dangerous:

Serious Causes (Seek Immediate Medical Care):

Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)

  • Symptoms: Pain or pressure in the chest (often in the middle or left side), tingling or pain in the left arm, shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, dizziness.
  • Action: This is a medical emergency—phone emergency services right away if you have a heart attack suspicion.

Angina

  • Symptoms: Pain or pressure in the chest that occurs due to physical effort or stress and can radiate to the arm, neck, jaw, or back.
  • Action: Visit a cardiologist—angina is an early symptom of coronary artery disease.

Panic Attack or Severe Anxiety

  • Symptoms: Tingling sensation in arm and chest, palpitations, feeling short-winded, feeling dizzy, doom sensation.
  • Action: Not life-threatening, but it is imitative of heart symptoms and must be investigated if new or severe.

Other Possible Causes:

Pinched nerve (e.g., cervical radiculopathy)

  • A compressed nerve in the neck or upper back can lead to tingling in the chest and one arm, particularly with specific neck movements.

Thoracic outlet syndrome

  • Compression of nerves or blood vessels close to the collarbone can lead to chest pain and tingling in the arm.

Shingles (early stage)

  • Tingling or burning in one side of the chest and arm may be an early warning sign of shingles before a rash develops.

Costochondritis

  • Inflammation of cartilage in the ribcage may simulate pain from the heart and can lead to tingling due to irritation of nearby nerves.

Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)

  • Acid reflux on occasion can result in chest discomfort and referred tingling.

Tingling in Arm and Hand Causes

Arm and hand tingling, commonly described as a "pins and needles" sensation, may be due to several causes, typically relating to nerve compression, blood circulation problems, or systemic diseases. Common causes are outlined below:

Nerve-Related Causes

  • Cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerve in the neck)
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Ulnar nerve compression (Cubital tunnel syndrome)
  • Thoracic outlet syndrome
  • Peripheral neuropathy

Circulation-Related Causes

  • Poor blood flow
  • Raynaud’s phenomenon

Serious Conditions

  • Stroke or TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack)
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Other Possible Causes

  • Anxiety and panic attacks
  • Repetitive motion injuries
  • Sleeping position

Tingling in Arm and Hand Treatment

Treatment for arm and hand tingling varies depending on the cause. Here is a general guide based on common conditions:

Pinched Nerve (e.g., Cervical Radiculopathy)

Treatment:

  • Rest and avoid exacerbating movements
  • Physical therapy to take pressure off the nerve
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., ibuprofen)
  • Neck support or traction (in some instances)
  • Surgery (only if severe or chronic)

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Treatment:

  • Wrist splints (particularly at night)
  • Avoid repetitive hand use
  • NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) for inflammation
  • Corticosteroid injections
  • Surgery (carpal tunnel release) if conservative management fails

Ulnar Nerve Compression (Cubital Tunnel Syndrome)

Treatment:

  • Elbow splints or pads to maintain straight position during sleep
  • Avoid bending or pressure on elbow for long periods
  • Physical therapy or nerve gliding exercises
  • Surgery (ulnar nerve decompression) in extreme cases

Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., due to Diabetes or B12 Deficiency)

Treatment:

  • Control of blood sugar (if diabetic)
  • Vitamin B12 supplements (if deficient)
  • Gabapentin or pregabalin for pain due to nerves
  • Lifestyle modification: stop alcohol, diet improvement

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Treatment:

  • Correction of posture
  • Physical therapy to increase flexibility and ease compression
  • Minimize heavy lifting or overhead movements
  • Surgery in exceptional or extreme cases

Poor Circulation or Raynaud's Phenomenon

Treatment:

  • Wear warm clothes, avoid cold
  • Stop smoking (if the patient is a smoker)
  • Drugs to increase circulation (such as calcium channel blockers)

Anxiety or Stress-Related Tingling

Treatment:

  • Breathing exercises, stress management, and mindfulness
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Anti-anxiety drugs, if necessary

Why Choose GetWellGo for Tingling in Right & Left Arm Treatment?

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We offer:

  • Complete transparency
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  • 24 hour availability.
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  • Expert neurologist with a strong track record of success
  • Assistance during and after the course of treatment.
  • Language Support
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  • Case manager assigned to every patient to provide seamless support in and out of the hospital like appointment booking
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