Shooting/burning pain in top of left arm/numb skin

[RabidRabbit]

For the past few days, whenever I have stretched out my arm, or moved it upwards fast, I get the most horrific stabbing/burning pain at the top side of my arm, it feels like someone is sticking a hot poker into my arm! It actually made me drop to my knees last night as I wasn't expecting it.

The area of skin where I get the pain is quite numb but also tender.

Does it sound like nerve damage of some sort? It really bloody hurts :(

it does sound like it could be a trapped nerve, yes, can you think of anything you might have done that triggered it?

can I ask how old you are? left arm pain can be a precurosr to a heart attack, I am not trying to alarm you, merely to inform if you were not aware of that fact. chest pain does not have to be a factor especially in women.

if it persists you would be wise to see the GP or at least phone them for advice

all the best