Why do pins and needles and numbness occur in the arm?
Removal of lymph nodes under the armpit can involve cutting a nerve in the region. Numbness may occur as a result. The intensity of the numbness will dissipate with time, but sensation under the armpit will never be the same as the other side. Some patients complain of pins and needles or strange sensations in the arm. This can be explained by an irritated nerve referring pain along its tract to other parts of the arm. Physiotherapists can help reduce referred pain using nerve mobilisation techniques.
