I’m starting to have elbow pain with numbness and tingling down my forearm. Sometimes it feels like the whole arm is asleep. What could be causing this? Is it serious?

There are three main nerves that pass by the elbow and go down the arm to the hand and fingers. The nerves go through the soft tissues and can get pinched or trapped under a ligament or between two muscles.

Ganglion cysts, tumors, and repetitive overuse are other possible causes of pressure on the nerves. Sometimes narrowing of the hole where the nerve comes out of the neck can
give these same symptoms. This is more common in the aging spine.

Posture can make a difference. Slumped shoulders, rounded upper back, and a forward position of the head can put pressure on the nerves. A medical exam is probably needed to get to the bottom of your problem.