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Arm went numb during swim set. Why?
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bradl016
Jun 20, 12 22:12
Post #1 of 19
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Arm went numb during swim set. Why?
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Hey guys,
By now, I feel like we know each other pretty well. I've come to you with plenty of questions and I've offered my unsolicited advice countless times. So, I'm hoping to perpetuate the cycle with this: During a workout tonight, (around 500y in), my left arm started to go numb. It was a feeling similar to a leg falling asleep. It started at my shoulder and I could feel the tingling going to my palm.
I've increased my swimming frequency but tried to avoid increasing my volume. So, my workouts have all been under 2000y; however, I've been in the pool the last 5 days in a row.
A brief google search tells me this is probably a pinched nerve. But what do you think? Any experiences? Any advice on how to rest or strengthen the shoulder?
---------------------------------
Oklahoma State Cycling Club
Bicycles of Tulsa Racing Team
District Bicycles - Stillwater, USA
Karl
Jun 20, 12 22:25
Post #2 of 19
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Re: Arm went numb during swim set. Why? [bradl016]
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I am no expert and really advise you not to get medical advice on a forum, but it sounds like something is pinching a nerve to me. I had some similar problems and found I have a cervical spinal stenosis. Did it get to your fingers? which ones will help tell you which nerve. The nerve can be pinched anywhere in arm up to the spine. Again, his is just a thought. If it goes away - good. If not go to a doc and get it a diagnosis.
good luck
quickpick
Jun 20, 12 22:42
Post #3 of 19
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Re: Arm went numb during swim set. Why? [bradl016]
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I was having something similar. It would also run up neck. Went to chiropractor and be told me chest muscles were too tight. Recommended stretching by putting arms on each side of doorway and leaning in. I did this and stacked up pillows on ground and laid with them under middle of shoulders to also stretch chest. It did the trick. Not sure if this is your problem but it always started in my left shoulder
Bmanners
Jun 21, 12 4:34
Post #4 of 19
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Re: Arm went numb during swim set. Why? [bradl016]
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It does sound like a pinched nerve. I have one in my shoulder right around my clavicle (iguess) and my pinky and finger next to it get tinglie when in certsin positions.
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aca_broj_1
Jun 21, 12 10:52
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Re: Arm went numb during swim set. Why? [bradl016]
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I had the same thing in my hand a while ago. Chiro friend said to try stretching more before / during / after the swim set. I did that and it seems to have helped a lot.
jyeager
Jun 21, 12 12:18
Post #6 of 19
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Re: Arm went numb during swim set. Why? [bradl016]
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I experience this myself. It's 1 of 2 things. 1 is the pinched nerve already mentioned. The other possibility is poor circulation.
The poor circulation thing may not sound likely, but consider that in your extended state, arm in front, that the artery or vein can be compressed. Then during the catch and pull as you activate the back and shoulder muscles together, they can still be compressed...and the recovery motion may not be long enough for sufficient blood flow?
Anyway, It's not uncommon whatever it is...and I still haven't found a cure yet. My longer swims result in a dead hand until I'm done.
Record10Carbon
Jun 21, 12 12:22
Post #7 of 19
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Re: Arm went numb during swim set. Why? [bradl016]
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(all in poor taste of course, but, I just ate at McDonalds and am a bit jumpy.)
----------------------------------------------------------
What if the Hokey Pokey is what it is all about?
bradl016
Jun 21, 12 13:30
Post #8 of 19
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Re: Arm went numb during swim set. Why? [R10C]
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That dude looks a lot better than Chris Lieto
---------------------------------
Oklahoma State Cycling Club
Bicycles of Tulsa Racing Team
District Bicycles - Stillwater, USA
ironmanatee
Jun 21, 12 13:59
Post #9 of 19
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Re: Arm went numb during swim set. Why? [bradl016]
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This happens to me frequently in the pool when doing long sets, left arm only. Starts in the fingers and works it's way up. Usually about 1000 yards into sets of 400's or 500's I can feel it. 50's, 100's, where I stand on the wall more often, don't seem to irritate it. Oddly enough, I've done 2 Olympic tris so far this season and nothing at all with over 1000 yards of straight swimming. Also happens when I ride my road bike (not tri though). I figure it must be some kind of impingement. Been doing it since 2008 or so, and I just deal with it. Sorry I can't be more helpful.
I wanna go fast!
bradl016
Jun 21, 12 15:17
Post #10 of 19
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Re: Arm went numb during swim set. Why? [ironmanatee]
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That was actually VERY helpful. I didn't wanna hurt myself but if you're not experiencing anything besides the numbness... I won't be afraid to ignore it.
That said, I'll bring it up with my family doc.
---------------------------------
Oklahoma State Cycling Club
Bicycles of Tulsa Racing Team
District Bicycles - Stillwater, USA
VO2Matt
Jun 21, 12 16:53
Post #11 of 19
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Re: Arm went numb during swim set. Why? [bradl016]
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your hands don't happen to enter the water thumb first do they?
sometimes you just have to eat the cake
bradl016
Jun 21, 12 17:14
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Re: Arm went numb during swim set. Why? [VO2Matt]
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They probably do. I've never even thought about it... Why?
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Oklahoma State Cycling Club
Bicycles of Tulsa Racing Team
District Bicycles - Stillwater, USA
HalfSpeed
Jun 21, 12 17:26
Post #13 of 19
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Re: Arm went numb during swim set. Why? [ironmanatee]
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I've had the tingling starting at the fingers, too. I found that even as it grew to encompass my forearm, it didn't slow me down. So, I was not worried about it for IM or longer swims. And of all things, I've only experienced it in the pool, never in races.
I'm old school. I know I'm going hard when my tongue wags.
— Russ Jones
VO2Matt
Jun 21, 12 17:30
Post #14 of 19
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Re: Arm went numb during swim set. Why? [bradl016]
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thumb down hand entry causes an internal rotation of the shoulder which can lead to impingement.....especially when you do it several thousand times a day. Since I've forced myself to stop doing this, my shoulders have been much happier
sometimes you just have to eat the cake
bradl016
Jun 21, 12 17:40
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Re: Arm went numb during swim set. Why? [VO2Matt]
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thanks for the info - I'll try to enter more level-ly and see if it stops.
I really appreciate the advice!
---------------------------------
Oklahoma State Cycling Club
Bicycles of Tulsa Racing Team
District Bicycles - Stillwater, USA
jjk/md
Jun 21, 12 18:05
Post #16 of 19
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Re: Arm went numb during swim set. Why? [bradl016]
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i hate to be a drag.
most likely an entrapped nerve, as others have suggested.
if that is the case, then chiropractic, massage, stretching, even acupuncture can all help and you are probably not doing it any harm by swimming.
however, pins and needles in your left arm concerns me enough that i suggest you go see your doc, get an ECG done at the very least and see if he/she recommends any other investigations. you want to be sure there is nothing bad happening here.
jjk
http://enduranceanimal.blogspot.com/
SharkFM
Jun 21, 12 18:19
Post #17 of 19
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Re: Arm went numb during swim set. Why? [jjk/md]
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Definitely get it checked out, to rule out any neck issues. My wife was getting hand & finger numbness + tingling, 2 months later neck surgery (fusion). That was a shocker, but doing great now, no problems
http://www.jagersport.com/
(This post was
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dennis
Jun 21, 12 18:34
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Re: Arm went numb during swim set. Why? [bradl016]
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long thoracic (sp) nerve . If it gets bad it will cause scapula winging. Happened to me.
Rumpled
Jun 22, 12 1:56
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Re: Arm went numb during swim set. Why? [dennis]
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Do you breathe mostly to your right?
If so, you might be laying on your left arm too much as you breathe.
Work on all the stretchy stuff and alternate breathing.
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