Arm Pain

Treating Arm Pain

Many people experience arm pain that actually originates from nerve compression in the upper back or neck. This condition, known as cervical radiculopathy, is similar to the more familiar sciatica that affects the lower back. When nerves in the neck become compressed or irritated, it can lead to sharp, shooting pain down the arm, which may extend to the wrist and fingers. In some cases, the pain is localized to the elbow or wrist without any other symptoms.

Pain in the Left Arm

Experiencing pain in your left arm can understandably cause concern. While there are many simple, non-threatening reasons for left arm pain, it’s important to recognize that it can also be a sign of heart-related issues like angina or a heart attack. Heart-related pain often begins suddenly and can range from mild to severe. It typically follows a pattern, starting in the upper left chest, spreading to the front of the shoulder, down the inner arm, and into the little finger. This type of pain is often accompanied by symptoms like shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea. If you suspect your left arm pain might be heart-related, it’s crucial to seek emergency medical help immediately.

Pain in the Right Arm

Pain in the right arm is generally less concerning than in the left, as it’s not typically related to heart problems. Right arm pain is more often due to biomechanical issues, such as muscle strains or joint injuries, which can arise from everyday activities, sports, or work-related tasks.

Common Causes of Arm Pain (Either Side)

Arm or wrist pain can result from a variety of causes, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Sometimes the cause is clear, like an injury during a specific activity or a sports-related incident.

However, in many cases, arm pain can be due to more complex biomechanical issues. The nerves in your neck play a vital role in coordinating the movement of your arms. Irritation or compression of these nerves can lead to muscle instability and injuries in the arm or hand.

To determine the exact cause of your arm pain, a thorough examination is necessary. Here are some common causes of arm pain:

Epicondylitis: Repetitive strain injuries, including golfer’s or tennis elbow.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Pain in the wrist and hand due to nerve compression.

Muscle Strains or Sprains: Injuries to muscles, such as bicep strains or tendinopathy.

Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, which can occur in various locations.

Rotator Cuff Injuries: Injuries to the muscles and tendons around the shoulder.

Arthritis: Inflammation of the joints, which can affect various areas of the arm.

Clavicle or Scapular Dysfunction: Issues with the shoulder blade or collarbone that can refer pain to the arm.

References:

Leininger, B., Bronfort, G., Evans, R., Reiter, T., & Spindler, K. (2021). Chiropractic Management of Spine-Related Arm Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 44(5), 341-351.

Hahne, A. J., Ford, J. J., & McMeeken, J. M. (2020). Conservative management of cervical radiculopathy: A systematic review. Spine, 45(24), 1697-1707.

Rubinstein, S. M., Terwee, C. B., Assendelft, W. J. J., & de Boer, M. R. (2019). Spinal manipulative therapy for acute low-back pain. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

How Can We Help Your Arm Pain?

At our clinic, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive care to help you find relief from your MSK pain and discomfort. Our approach to treatment is tailored to meet your individual health needs and includes a combination of Chiropractic Treatment, Exercise Therapy, Myofascial Therapy, Dry Needling and Patient Education (NRE).

What If We Cannot Help Your Arm Pain?

While we strive to deliver the best possible outcomes utilising our specialist services, we understand that some cases may require additional intervention. If your condition does not improve as expected or if we believe that another approach might be more appropriate, we can:

• Refer You to Your GP: We will coordinate with your General Practitioner to ensure you receive the appropriate medical evaluation and care.

• Recommend Diagnostic Imaging: If necessary, we may suggest diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or MRI scans, to get a clearer understanding of your condition and inform the next steps in your treatment.

• Refer You to a Specialist: In cases where specialised care is needed, we will refer you to a trusted specialist to ensure you receive the most effective treatment.

Our commitment is to your health and well-being, and we will guide you every step of the way to ensure you receive the care that’s right for you.