Stop wondering; HERE is what a doctor says causes an electric shock feeling in your arms when you lift weights.
“Feelings of electric shocks are often related to nerve irritation,” says Asim S. Aijaz, MD, a board certified pain management specialist with Advanced Pain Care in Texas.
“This could be secondary to the nerves being irritated in the neck where they leave the spine (cervical spine nerve roots) or at some point beyond that as the nerves course through the arms,” continues Dr. Aijaz.
“Other vulnerable areas include the shoulders, elbows and wrists.”
Solutions?
Dr. Aijaz explains, “Make sure you have proper technique when you are exercising. If a particular exercise causes this pain, avoid that exercise.”
You may also want to try a different piece of equipment for the same joint motion.
For example, if you’ve been suffering from electric shock sensations in your arms whenever you do preacher curls, then try standing barbell curls in which your arms and elbows are not pressing into a surface.
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But if the symptom persists even if you’re not pressing a muscle group or limb into a surface, then avoid that exercise for awhile.
Dr. Aijaz adds, “If you believe in the idea of ‘No pain, no gain,’ you should reconsider this philosophy when it comes to pains which feel like electric shocks.
“Nerves are very slow to heal when injured. If this electric shock sensation persists, you should see your doctor.”
Dr. Aijaz has been involved with the Texas Pain Society, Spine Injection Society and the American Society for Interventional Pain Physicians.
Lorra Garrick is a former personal trainer certified by the American Council on Exercise. At Bally Total Fitness she trained clients of all ages for fat loss, muscle building, fitness and improved health.
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Top image: Shutterstock/Luka Funduk
