Upper arm pain is a common concern that can range from a minor annoyance to a symptom indicating a more serious condition. While often stemming from muscle strain or overuse, understanding the various potential causes can help in identifying when to seek medical attention. This overview explores common reasons why upper arms might hurt.
Common Muscular and Tendon Issues
Upper arm pain often arises from issues affecting muscles and tendons. Muscle strains, involving overstretching or tearing fibers, can occur in the biceps, triceps, or deltoid. These strains commonly result from overexertion, unaccustomed activity, or improper lifting techniques.
For example, biceps strains cause pain worsening with activity, potentially leading to shoulder weakness or difficulty lifting the arm. Triceps strains present as sudden pain when extending the elbow, sometimes with a popping sound or sensitivity. Deltoid strains cause sharp pain in the shoulder, particularly when lifting the arm.
Repetitive movements can also lead to micro-traumas in muscles and tendons, resulting in overuse injuries. Tendinitis, specifically, is the inflammation of a tendon. Biceps tendinitis, for instance, involves inflammation of the upper biceps tendon, causing pain and tenderness in the front of the shoulder that may radiate down the arm. This condition often arises from repetitive overhead motions. Bursitis, an inflammation of fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion joints, also contributes to upper arm pain, often accompanying rotator cuff tendinitis.
Nerve Compression and Irritation
Upper arm pain can also originate from neck or spine problems, manifesting as referred pain. Cervical radiculopathy, or a “pinched nerve,” occurs when a neck nerve is compressed or irritated at its spinal cord branch. This compression can lead to pain that radiates into the shoulder and down the arm, often described as burning or sharp.
Symptoms also include tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arm, hand, or fingers, depending on which nerve root is affected. Degenerative spinal changes, such as arthritis or bone spurs, are common causes, though acute injuries like a herniated disc can also lead to this condition. Certain neck movements, like extending or turning the head, may intensify the pain.
Shoulder Joint and Rotator Cuff Problems
The shoulder joint and its supporting structures frequently cause upper arm pain. The rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons, stabilizes the shoulder and enables arm movement. Tears in these tendons can cause significant upper arm pain, especially during movement or at night. Tears may result in arm weakness or a snapping sensation.
Shoulder arthritis, involving cartilage degeneration in the shoulder joint, can also lead to pain and stiffness felt in the upper arm, particularly with movement. Additionally, adhesive capsulitis, or frozen shoulder, can cause pain spreading into the upper arm, along with stiffness and limited range of motion.
Medical Conditions to Be Aware Of
While many causes of upper arm pain are musculoskeletal, some medical conditions require immediate attention. Pain in the upper arm, particularly the left arm, can be a symptom of a heart attack or angina. Angina is chest pain from reduced heart blood flow, and this pain can spread to the arms, neck, jaw, shoulder, or back.
Heart attack symptoms include pressure, squeezing, or fullness in the chest, often with pain extending to the arm, shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea. Women may experience more subtle symptoms, with pain radiating to either arm, the chin, shoulder blades, or upper back. It is crucial to seek emergency medical attention if upper arm pain is accompanied by these other symptoms.