Arm pain (Brachialgia)
Arm pain (Brachialgia) is any discomfort, ache or soreness you feel anywhere between your shoulder and your fingertips. It can come on suddenly, such as after an injury, or build up gradually, and is sometimes felt in your arm even though the problem starts somewhere else, such as your neck or your heart.
Worried about your symptoms? Talk to a doctor.
Book a GP appointmentWhat causes arm pain?
Arm pain has three broad types of cause: a problem with your muscles, tendons or bones; pressure on a nerve; or an underlying medical condition. Muscle, tendon and bone problems include:
- sprains and strains, from falls, sports or sudden pulls
- tendonitis, inflammation of the tendons, often in the shoulder, elbow or wrist
- a rotator cuff injury, affecting the tendons that stabilise your shoulder
- bursitis, swelling of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion your joints
- a fracture, causing sharp pain, swelling and limited movement
- arthritis, which causes stiffness and inflammation in the joints.
Nerve compression can also cause arm pain, including:
- carpal tunnel syndrome, pressure on a nerve at your wrist
- a pinched nerve in your neck, which can cause pain that radiates down your arm
- thoracic outlet syndrome, pressure on the nerves or blood vessels near your collarbone
- a brachial plexus injury, damage to the network of nerves running from your neck to your arm.
Less commonly, arm pain, especially in your left arm, can be a sign of a heart problem such as angina or a heart attack, or a blood clot such as deep vein thrombosis. Conditions including diabetes, thyroid disorders and rheumatoid arthritis can also cause arm pain and weakness.
Are there different types of arm pain?
Yes. How your arm pain feels can be an indication of what's causing it:
- Sharp, stabbing pain: Often points to a nerve problem or a sudden injury
- A dull, aching pain: This is more often linked to muscle fatigue, overuse or arthritis
- A burning sensation with tingling or numbness: This usually means a nerve is being compressed or irritated
- A throbbing pain that pulses with your heartbeat: This can suggest a circulation problem or infection, and should be checked promptly
Pain can also be constant or come and go, and may stay in one part of your arm or spread down from your neck or shoulder.
How is arm pain diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask when the pain started, what makes it better or worse, whether you've had an injury, and what your job and daily activities involve.
They'll examine your arm, testing your strength, reflexes and range of motion, as well as checking your sensation and coordination.
Depending on what they find, you may also have:
- blood tests, to check for inflammation, infection, diabetes or thyroid problems
- an X-ray, to look for fractures or joint changes
- an ultrasound scan, to check your tendons, muscles and blood flow
- an MRI or CT scan, for more detailed images of soft tissue, discs and nerves
- nerve conduction studies or an EMG, to see how well your nerves and muscles are working.
How is arm pain treated?
Treatment depends on the cause. For a mild sprain, strain or overuse injury, the RICE method can help:
- Rest: Avoid movements that make the pain worse
- Ice: Apply an ice pack for about 15 to 20 minutes at a time
- Compression: Wrap the area gently with a bandage
- Elevation: Raise your arm above the level of your heart.
You can also try an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, alongside gentle stretching or massage. For more involved problems, your doctor might suggest:
- physiotherapy or occupational therapy, to restore movement and strength
- bracing, splinting or a plaster cast for a suspected fracture
- corticosteroid or anti-inflammatory injections for persistent inflammation
- surgery, for a complete tear, an unstable fracture, or to relieve a compressed nerve.
If a heart problem is causing your pain, treatment focuses on the underlying heart condition, which may involve medication or a procedure to restore blood flow.
When should I see a doctor?
Call 999 or go to A&E if you have arm pain along with:
- chest pain, pressure, heaviness or squeezing across your chest
- pain spreading to your jaw, back, neck or between your shoulder blades
- shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea or cold sweats
- sudden weakness or loss of function in your arm
- an arm that looks deformed, badly swollen or discoloured after an injury.
See your GP if:
- the pain lasts more than a few days without improving
- you have numbness, tingling or weakness that doesn't go away
- a joint looks swollen, red or feels hot
- the pain keeps getting worse despite rest and home care
- it's affecting your sleep or daily activities.
FAQs
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Can anxiety cause arm pain?
Yes. Anxiety can trigger muscle tension throughout the body, including the shoulders and arms, which can feel like aching or sharp pain. It can also change your breathing pattern in a way that causes tingling or numbness in your arms and hands. It's still worth getting checked to rule out other causes.
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What does it mean if both arms hurt at the same time?
Pain in both arms at once is less common than one-sided pain and can point to a wider issue, such as fibromyalgia, polymyalgia rheumatica, or nerve compression affecting both sides of your neck. If it comes with chest discomfort, shortness of breath or nausea, treat it as a medical emergency.
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Can my sleeping position cause arm pain?
Yes. Sleeping with your arm trapped under your body, or raised above your head, can compress nerves and leave your arm feeling numb, tingly or sore when you wake up. An unsupportive pillow can also strain your neck in a way that radiates down your arm.
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How can I tell if arm pain is from my heart or a muscle strain?
Heart-related pain, usually in the left arm, tends to come on with chest tightness, pressure, breathlessness, nausea or cold sweats, and it isn't triggered by a specific movement. Muscular pain is usually reproducible, meaning a specific movement or position makes it better or worse, and it tends to improve with rest. If you're unsure, seek medical attention straight away.
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Can arm pain be prevented?
Not always, but stretching before and after exercise, using good posture, taking breaks from repetitive tasks, and varying your activities rather than repeating the same motion can all reduce your risk.
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Why does a problem in my neck sometimes cause pain in my arm?
This is called referred pain. A pinched nerve in your neck, for example from a disc problem, can send pain signals down the same nerve pathways that run into your arm, so the pain is felt in your arm even though the cause is in your neck.