Pain in the upper arm can range from a mild ache to severe discomfort, affecting daily activities and overall quality of life. This common symptom can arise from various sources. While often stemming from issues within the arm or shoulder, upper arm pain can also be a sign of problems elsewhere in the body.
Common Musculoskeletal Causes
Many instances of upper arm pain originate from injuries or conditions affecting the muscles, tendons, and bones in and around the upper arm and shoulder. Muscle strains are a frequent cause, occurring when muscle fibers are overstretched or torn. Examples include strains in the biceps, triceps, or deltoid muscles. A biceps strain typically causes pain in the upper arm, sometimes with bruising or spasms. Triceps strains, at the back of the upper arm, can cause pain, swelling, and tenderness, especially when extending the elbow against resistance.
Tendonitis, inflammation of a tendon, commonly affects the upper arm. Biceps tendonitis, involving the tendon connecting the biceps muscle to the shoulder, causes pain and tenderness in the front of the shoulder that can radiate down the upper arm, often worsening with overhead movements. Rotator cuff tendonitis, affecting the tendons and muscles stabilizing the shoulder, can also lead to pain that radiates down the side of the arm, sometimes to the elbow. This pain may be present even at rest and can worsen at night.
Bursitis, inflammation of fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion joints, can occur in the shoulder and cause pain extending into the upper arm. This condition often co-occurs with rotator cuff tendonitis. Overuse injuries, from repetitive stress on the shoulder joint, are common culprits for both tendonitis and bursitis. Direct trauma, such as falls or impacts, can lead to contusions (bruises) in the upper arm, causing pain, swelling, and discoloration. Fractures of the upper arm bone (humerus) can also cause localized pain and limited mobility.
Shoulder arthritis can also contribute to upper arm pain. Arthritis involves the degeneration of joint cartilage, leading to inflammation and structural changes in the shoulder joint. This can cause pain that radiates into the upper arm, often accompanied by stiffness and reduced range of motion.
Nerve-Related Causes
Upper arm pain can also arise from nerve issues. Cervical radiculopathy, a “pinched nerve” in the neck, commonly causes pain that radiates from the neck down the arm. This pain is typically sharp or burning and can be accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand. It may intensify with certain neck movements, like extending or turning the head.
Thoracic outlet syndrome occurs when nerves or blood vessels in the space between the collarbone and the first rib become compressed. This compression can lead to pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the arm and hand, potentially affecting the upper arm. Nerve pain often differs from musculoskeletal pain; it may feel like shooting, burning, or electrical shocks, radiating along a nerve pathway, unlike the dull ache or localized tenderness of muscle pain.
Referred Pain and Other Systemic Issues
Sometimes, upper arm pain is “referred” from other parts of the body, meaning it’s felt in the arm but originates elsewhere. Cardiac issues are a significant concern, where pain from the heart can manifest in the upper arm. Angina, a symptom of reduced blood flow to the heart, can cause discomfort that spreads to the arms (often the left, but sometimes both), along with chest pressure, shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea. A heart attack can also present with pain radiating to the arm, typically the left, accompanied by severe chest pain, shortness of breath, and a feeling of impending doom. These symptoms warrant immediate medical attention.
Vascular issues, though less common as a direct cause, can also lead to upper arm discomfort. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) primarily affects the legs but can sometimes involve arteries in the arms, leading to muscle pain or cramping during activity that subsides with rest. Less common systemic conditions or infections might also manifest with upper arm pain, often alongside other signs like fever or general malaise.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While many causes of upper arm pain are not severe and may resolve with rest and self-care, certain symptoms indicate a need for medical evaluation. Immediate medical attention is necessary if upper arm pain is sudden and severe, or if it is accompanied by chest pressure, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness, or a feeling of impending doom, as these could be signs of a heart attack.
Seek prompt medical care if you experience numbness, significant weakness, or tingling in the arm or hand, as these may suggest nerve involvement or severe injury. Other warning signs include a visible deformity of the arm, inability to move the arm, or signs of infection such as fever, redness, or warmth around the painful area.
If the pain is persistent, worsening, interferes with daily activities, or does not improve with self-care within a reasonable timeframe (e.g., several days to a few weeks), consulting a healthcare provider is advisable. Rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers are initial self-care steps, but these should not delay seeking professional advice when concerning symptoms are present.