Q Orthopaedics and neurosurgery both did an MRI and found nothing. So why does the numbness continue?
A Imaging looks at structure. Even without clear changes in bone or discs, numbness occurs when stiffened muscles narrow a nerve pathway or when peripheral circulation is poor. It is a problem of flow rather than structure, so scans rarely capture it.
Detailed Answer
In fact, a large share of "my tests are normal but my arm is numb" cases involve nerves and vessels being compressed in the narrow passage between the neck and the first rib. Such compression is hard to see on imaging. Sitting hunched at work for long periods stiffens the muscles at the side of the neck and the front of the chest, gradually narrowing that passage.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
A normal test result means dangerous causes have been ruled out, not that nothing is wrong. From this stage it is faster to examine posture, muscle tension and circulation — the conditions scans do not capture. There is no reason to endure this while suspecting yourself of imagining it.
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