Refer to this article for all information regarding “Pain in the upper arm”.
Our objective at Texas Pain Care is to provide comprehensive and useful information.
Pain in the upper arm is one of the common issues faced by the majority of individuals, and it has also drawn a lot of attention especially among individuals who are involved in sports activities. There can be a number of etiologies for this problem and it can range from simple muscle strain to overuse injuries to more pathological conditions like a tear of the rotator cuff or tendonitis. The severity of the symptoms will often determine how well an individual can perform basic daily activities related to lifting or movement. If not treated, pain in the upper arm will worsen with time and also result in restricted motion and chronic aching. The management of the pain is vital, which includes rest along with the changes in the activities like stretching and strengthening exercises and physical therapies. The follow up with the medical experts is also vital to get good relief from this pain. Let’s dwell deeper into some more vital information that can help in understanding the diagnosis, treatments and prevention of the pain in the upper arm.
There are numerous factors that can lead to discomfort in the upper arm, and it can affect anyone. Identifying the cause of the injury will help in determining the appropriate treatment. Several factors can lead to pain in the upper arm. Here are a few common causes:
Muscle Strain: The upper-arm pain may stem from the overuse of the muscles in the upper arm. Examples may be lifting too much or too often in the same direction with weight, or having a repetitive motion.
Nerve Compression: Conditions such as herniated disc of neck, can cause nerve compression, and it further leads to the progression of the pain to the arm. If the herniated disc is right sided, then you will feel the right upper arm pain.
Injuries: Injuries due to falls and accidents might also lead to notable fractures or contusions associated with significant pain in muscles or joints.
Tendonitis: The inflammation of the tendon usually owing to repetitive strain on the tendon leads to the upper arm muscle pain. It is most common in sports people or people who have repetitive actions in their work.
Shoulder Issues: Problems in the shoulder joint like arthritis or injuries to the rotator cuff or their dysfunction can cause pain to radiate down the arm and result in pain in the upper arm.
Other Medical Conditions: Some conditions, like fibromyalgia, also lead to pain in the upper arm muscles.
It’s essential to recognize the symptoms associated with pain in the arm:
Dull ache or sharp pain
Weakness in your arm
Limited range of motion
Tingling or numbness in the arm or fingers
If you experience these symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.
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Diagnosing can involve various steps:
Physical Examination: During a physical examination, a physician will assess your level of pain and evaluate your range of motion. They will check for any signs of swelling or discomfort in the muscle region.
Imaging Tests: Medical professionals may utilize X-rays or MRI scans to obtain a clearer view of bones and softer tissues within the body. These examinations can reveal the presence of fractures or significant issues.
Nerve Tests: If physicians suspect possible nerve damage, they may conduct assessments such as electromyography (EMG) to evaluate the functioning of the nerves.
Once a diagnosis has been made, treatment options can be explored. These may include:
Rest and Ice:Â Resting and using ice in the affected area can help in decreasing inflammation and provide pain relief.
Physical Therapy:Â Practicing the physical therapy can assist in improving flexibility and strengthening the upper arm muscles.
Medication:Â Taking an over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with pain relief and inflammation, but it should be taken after consulting a physician.
Sometimes the physician will ask you to have surgical treatment that may potentially be required for more serious issues, such as ligaments or tendons.
Shoulder rolls:Â Performing exercises and stretches specifically designed for upper arm pain can be very helpful to relieve symptoms. You can start with the simplest movement, a shoulder roll. Simply roll your shoulders backward in a circular motion, then forward according to your comfortability. Shoulder rolls promote blood circulation and relieve tension.
Doorway stretch:Â Next, you can try a doorway stretch. This is a simple movement that can be done standing in a doorway with both arms at 90 degrees, resting your forearms on the door frame and gently leaning into it until you feel a stretch through your chest and upper arms.
Tricep stretch:Â The tricep stretch is another movement that can offer good results. You can begin by raising one arm overhead and gently bending it so your hand reaches down your back as far as it goes between your shoulder blades. Use your opposite hand to gently push on the elbow if you feel comfortable and would like relief from it.
Wall angels:Â Working on a wall angel will help facilitate movement and strength in the muscles around the upper arm area. Stand against the wall with arms bent at 90 degrees, and then slowly slide them up while keeping contact with the wall.
To prevent pain in the upper arm from reoccurring, it’s important to keep your upper arms functioning well and avoid injury. Here are some helpful suggestions for prevention:
Warm-Up and Stretch:Â Always warm-up before any physical activity and incorporate stretching exercises to maintain flexibility in the upper arm muscles.
Strength Training:Â Engaging in strength training that focuses on the arms can develop resilience to strains and injuries.
Ergonomics:Â Always focus on your posture and ergonomics, especially when you are performing repetitive tasks.
Pace Yourself:Â Avoid overwork and allow time for your muscles to recover, especially when doing vigorous activities.
Experiencing muscle pain in the upper arm can be pretty hard to manage, but there are great ways to relieve and even prevent it in the future. With the right techniques and help from a professional, you can optimize healing.Â
If you are experiencing persistent upper-arm pain and seeking the best remedy for the same then you are in the right place. Texas Pain Care is here to help you. We offer assistance in relieving your pain in the upper arm in a very streamlined manner from our experts. Call us today and schedule an appointment to begin your journey towards lasting relief and a healthier, more active life!
Yes, of course. Our pain management clinic is located at 3550 FM 1092 Rd Suite A, Missouri City, TX 77459. Please feel free to reach out to us if you would like to know more about our specific treatments or if you would like to schedule an appointment. At Texas Pain Care, we are here to help you find relief from pain in your upper arm. We are proud to treat patients from Texas, Houston TX, Sugar Land TX, and Missouri City TX. Please call us today!
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