Key Takeaways
- Where the pain sits matters. Pain that runs past the elbow with numbness in particular fingers more often points to the neck than to the arm itself.
- Left arm pain with chest discomfort, breathlessness, or sweating is a medical emergency, not a muscle or joint problem.
- Numbness and tingling often settle more slowly than pain, so judging progress by pain alone can be misleading.
Arm pain is a common problem that can affect people of all ages. Different types of arm pain can range from a mild ache to sharp, intense pain. Sometimes, the pain is constant, and other times it comes and goes. In this blog, we will discuss the common causes of arm pain, the symptoms you may experience, and how chiropractic care can help.
Common Causes of Arm Pain
Muscle Strain
Muscle strain happens when muscles are stretched or torn. This can be caused by lifting something heavy or doing repetitive movements. Strains often result in pain, swelling, and reduced movement.
Tendonitis
Tendonitis is when the tendons, which connect muscles to bones, become inflamed. Two common types are golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow. These occur due to overuse of the arm, especially during sports or repetitive tasks. Pain is usually felt around the elbow and may extend into the forearm.
Nerve Compression
Nerve compression happens when nerves in the arm are pinched or squeezed. A well-known example is carpal tunnel syndrome. This condition affects the wrist and can lead to numbness, tingling, and weakness in the arm and hand. However, a herniated disc in the neck can also cause nerve compression.
When a disc in the spine herniates, it can press on nearby nerves that travel down the arm. This is also known as cervical radiculopathy. It is commonly treated with chiropractic treatment such as spinal adjustments and shockwave therapy to relieve pressure on the nerves.
Rotator Cuff Injuries
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons around the shoulder joint. Injuries here can cause shoulder pain that spreads down the arm. These injuries can result from accidents or from wear and tear over time.
Arthritis
Arthritis, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, causes joint pain and stiffness. It can affect any joint in the arm, including the shoulder, elbow, or wrist. Arthritis may make it hard to move your arm or grip objects.
Referred Pain
Occasionally, the source of arm discomfort may not be the arm itself. Instead, it can be a sign of issues in other parts of the body. For example, heart conditions can cause pain that spreads to the left arm. Considering your overall health is important when diagnosing arm pain.
Symptoms of Arm Pain
The symptoms vary depending on the cause. Some common symptoms include:
- Aching or soreness: The pain may be mild or severe and can affect any part of the arm.
- Numbness or tingling: Often associated with nerve compression, these sensations can affect the entire arm or specific areas, such as the fingers or wrist.
- Weakness: Individuals may experience difficulty lifting objects or performing tasks that require strength in the arm.
- Swelling or inflammation: Visible swelling may accompany pain, indicating an underlying injury or inflammation.
How Chiropractic Care can Help with Arm Pain
Chiropractic care focuses on treating issues with muscles, joints, and nerves. Here are some ways chiropractors can help:
Comprehensive Assessment
A chiropractor will assess your arm pain by asking about your symptoms and performing physical examinations. They may check your posture, range of motion, and do tests to pinpoint the cause of your pain.
Spinal Adjustments
Sometimes, arm pain is caused by problems in the spine, especially in the neck. Chiropractors use spinal adjustments to correct misalignments, which can relieve pressure on nerves and reduce pain. Aligning the spine can also improve blood flow to the arm, helping the area heal.
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses sound waves to stimulate healing. It helps reduce pain and inflammation in muscles, tendons, and joints. For arm pain, shockwave therapy can be especially helpful in treating tendonitis or rotator cuff injuries. The therapy encourages tissue repair, improves blood circulation, and speeds up recovery.
Soft Tissue Therapy
Chiropractors use different techniques to relax tight muscles and improve mobility. Massage and stretching can help reduce pain, especially if the muscles in your arm are tense or overworked.
Rehabilitation Exercises
Chiropractors often recommend exercises to strengthen the muscles in the arm and improve flexibility. These exercises help prevent future pain by keeping your muscles and joints healthy.
Advice on Posture and Habits
Your chiropractor will give you tips on how to avoid pain in the future. This may include improving your posture, especially if you sit for long periods. They may also suggest ways to reduce strain on your arm during daily activities.
When to See a Chiropractor for Arm Pain
Should your arm discomfort persist or intensify, it is crucial to consult a chiropractor. You should also seek help if:
- The pain lasts more than a few days.
- You experience numbness, tingling, or weakness.
- Your arm is swollen or looks unusual.
- The pain disrupts your daily routine or sleep.
Conclusion
Arm pain can make it hard to perform daily tasks, but there are solutions. Chiropractic care offers a natural way to treat arm pain by focusing on the root cause. With spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and targeted exercises, chiropractors can help relieve pain and improve mobility.
If you’re suffering from arm pain, it’s time to consider chiropractic care. A personalised treatment plan can help you feel better and get back to your normal activities. Contact Live Well Chiropractic today to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards feeling better!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a chiropractor help with arm numbness?
A chiropractor may help when numbness comes from an irritated nerve in the neck or tight structures around the shoulder. Numbness in both arms, worsening weakness, or clumsy hands should be checked by a doctor first.
Why does my shoulder pain radiate down my arm?
Rotator cuff problems often spread pain to the outer upper arm. If the pain or numbness travels past the elbow into the hand, a nerve in the neck is more likely to be involved.
Is it safe for an older adult to have their neck treated by a chiropractor?
It can be, with the right precautions. Technique and force should be based on bone health, medications such as blood thinners, and medical history. Low-force methods can be used when osteoporosis risk is present or unknown.
When is arm pain serious?
Call 995 if arm pain comes with chest pain, breathlessness, or sweating. See a doctor promptly for worsening weakness, numbness in both arms, or pain after a fall.
Should I see a GP or a chiropractor first for arm pain?
See a GP first if there’s weakness, numbness in both arms, a recent fall, or other health concerns. For aching or stiffness linked to the neck, shoulder, or elbow without those signs, a chiropractor or physiotherapist is a reasonable first step.