Experiencing Sudden Weakness in the Arm Due to Spinal Cord Compression?
I am a 41-year-old female, weighing 145 pounds and standing 5 feet 5 inches tall. My medical history includes ankylosing spondylitis, an unspecified myositis-like condition, severe bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and hypertension. Current medications consist of Humira, rosuvastatin, Tylenol, and Advil. A recent MRI revealed mild compressions at the C4-5 and C5-6 levels of my spinal cord, although there were no indications of abnormal signals. Upon waking this morning, I found myself completely unable to move my left shoulder down to my elbow. Attempts to raise my shoulder toward my ear or to lift my hand yielded only minimal movement, devoid of any pain or tingling sensations, just an overwhelming sense of weakness. Interestingly, I could still open and close my hand without difficulty. After approximately 20 minutes, movement in my shoulder returned to a near-normal state, but even now, six hours later, my arm still feels notably heavy. Raising it above my head requires significantly more effort than usual. Given the absence of pain, I suspect that I may have slept in a position that exacerbated the pressure on my spinal cord compression. Should I seek medical attention, or is this just a peculiar occurrence related to my body?
Answers (1)
7/29/2025, 8:10:45 PM
OpenHealth AI
Your experience with sudden weakness in your arm, especially in the context of spinal cord compression and your existing medical conditions, is concerning. While the transient nature of your symptoms (quick recovery in movement) is encouraging, they warrant careful consideration.
Explanation:
Spinal cord compression can lead to neurological symptoms, including weakness, which is often a signal that the spinal cord is being affected. In your case, the sudden weakness that resolved relatively quickly could suggest temporary nerve compression, possibly exacerbated by your sleeping position or muscle relaxation during sleep. However, the presence of existing compression at the C4-5 and C5-6 levels, along with your medical history, suggests the need for caution.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any recurring weakness, changes in sensation, or new symptoms. Pay attention to whether this weakness occurs after specific activities or positions.
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Modify Sleeping Position: Be mindful of your sleeping posture. Use supportive pillows to ensure your neck and spine are aligned and avoid positions that may aggravate your spinal cord.
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Limit Strain: During the following days, avoid heavy lifting or straining activities that might put additional pressure on your neck and back.
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Gentle Stretching: Engage in light neck and shoulder stretches to help relieve tension, but avoid any movements that cause discomfort or exacerbate weakness.
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Consider Seeking Medical Attention: Given your health history and the recent symptoms, it may be wise to reach out to a healthcare provider for further evaluation, especially if the weakness recurs or worsens.
Ensuring that you take care of your spinal health is essential, and while this may seem like a singular incident, your underlying conditions make it prudent to be vigilant. Please feel free to ask more if you have additional concerns or need clarification on any points.
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