Matt, there are a few answers to this. The simple one is that you are putting pressure on the nerves that control the arm through your activity. If this is not present any other time then it is called a stinger. This is where pressure on the nerve creates this sensation. I would also think that you could have a problem with your neck or very tight muscles of the neck and upper trapezius. Try this series of movements to see if it helps. Sit in a straight chair such as a kitchen chair. Raise your left arm as high as possible over your head and note the height achieved. Return the arm to your side and now do the right arm the same way. You are going to find that one arm went up higher so start with that arm first. Raise that arm up as high and hard above your head as possible for 30 seconds and then rest it for 15 seconds. Repeat that cycle with that arm twice more and then do the opposite arm exactly the same way 3 times. Now turn your head as far to the left as possible and note the endpoint of rotation. Turn the head to the right as far as possible and note the endpoint. One direction is going to turn further so start there first. Turn the head in that direction as hard and far as you can for 30 seconds and then rest for 15 seconds. Repeat that cycle twice more in that direction and then do the same in the opposite direction 3 times. Do these movements at least twice a day and it should clear this up. If there is no improvement then I would strongly suggest that you seek medical help from a neurologist.
I play rugby and when i tackle or get hit from behind with my left shoulder it goes numb sometimes. i feel the pain and tightness in my left shoulder and neck normally.. whats going on and what can i do to prevent this?
Matt, there are a few answers to this. The simple one is that you are putting pressure on the nerves that control the arm through your activity. If this is not present any other time then it is called a stinger. This is where pressure on the nerve creates this sensation. I would also think that you could have a problem with your neck or very tight muscles of the neck and upper trapezius. Try this series of movements to see if it helps. Sit in a straight chair such as a kitchen chair. Raise your left arm as high as possible over your head and note the height achieved. Return the arm to your side and now do the right arm the same way. You are going to find that one arm went up higher so start with that arm first. Raise that arm up as high and hard above your head as possible for 30 seconds and then rest it for 15 seconds. Repeat that cycle with that arm twice more and then do the opposite arm exactly the same way 3 times. Now turn your head as far to the left as possible and note the endpoint of rotation. Turn the head to the right as far as possible and note the endpoint. One direction is going to turn further so start there first. Turn the head in that direction as hard and far as you can for 30 seconds and then rest for 15 seconds. Repeat that cycle twice more in that direction and then do the same in the opposite direction 3 times. Do these movements at least twice a day and it should clear this up. If there is no improvement then I would strongly suggest that you seek medical help from a neurologist.
