“What can cause arm pain?”

It's important to consult a medical professional to evaluate your arm pain. They can assess your symptoms, perform necessary tests, and provide appropriate treatment options to address your arm pain effectively.

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There are a lot of problems that can cause arm pain. You need to see a  physician and conduct a physical exam to determine what causes your arm pain.

The most serious cause would be heart disease

There are numerous reasons for arm pain, some innocent (muscular sprain or strain) and some more sinister (herniated disc in the neck with nerve root compression). The causes are so varied and so disparate, that no generalizations can be made. There needs to be an evaluation conducted by a competent musculoskeletal and neurological expert if pain persists beyond two weeks. That person can determine whether or not imaging studies or diagnostic laboratory assessments need to be undertaken. There is no mechanism available to make any definitive determination based on the limited information which you have provided. Good luck!


Kenneth D. Candido, M.D.
Professor of Clinical Anesthesiology-UIC
Pain Fellowship Director & Pain Clinic Medical Director
Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Management
ASIPP Board of Directors
CEO & President of Chicago Anesthesia Associates
CEO & President of Chicago Anesthesia Pain Specialists
Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center
3000 N. Halsted St. Suite 823
Chicago, IL 60657
Phone: (773) 296-7937
Fax: (773) 296-3995
kdcandido1@gmail.com
*kdcandido@yahoo.com <kdcandido@yahoo.com>*

There are many causes for arm pain. Musculoskeletal conditions acute or cumulative trauma involving the muscles, tendons, even joint pathology of the shoulder could all cause arm pain. angina pectoris may also refer pain to medial aspect of the left arm as well. Consult a physician is advised to make a correct diagnosis and treat accordingly is advised.

Thanks for your question.

Tsai C. Chao, M.D.

Thank you for sharing your arm issue with the FATD community. I am happy to share my thoughts, tips and suggestions regarding this issue.

The best way for me to understand the fine points of your inquiry, more information would be helpful. I am not sure if you had any trauma or injury to the arm. I am also unsure of your age. If you have had an injury to the arm (or neck) in the past, there may be some inflammation ongoing in the neck or arm, and this can cause a feeling of pain.

There are several different types of pain. A pain that involves burning, cramping, numbness, tingling or electrical ‘shocks’ can come from a nerve problem. Nerves are tiny electrical wires that begin in the brain and travel down through the neck (the spinal canal) and to the tips of your fingers (and toes). When the flow of the nerves gets disrupted or slowed, then the nerve pains arise.

If you have a pain in the joints (the coming together of two or more bones to permit motion), then there can be some inflammation in the joint(s). A person with ‘daily arm pain for two months’ can be more from a nerve issue than a joint issue (but not necessarily). I suggest gently moving your neck, upper back and shoulders through a full range of motion every day. If you are seated during the day and/or on a computer or smart phone, getting up to stretch for 3-5 minutes (and walk around) every 30 minutes can help combat tech neck and postural failure.

I hope this helps.