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What Causes Pain In Left Arm?
Question: For over three years, I have experienced left arm pain all the way down it and also in my neck and left shoulder. It often comes and goes and seems to be triggered by stress. But I am wondering how do you know if it is indeed stress related or cardiac related?
In my case, I have been referred to a cardiologist and had an echo and wore a heart monitor for 24 hours. Will get the results in ten days.
Sometimes I wake up with the arm pain, sometimes it flares up when I am stressed or nervous. It makes me wonder what happened first - the pain itself, so I then worry. Or just worry in general, so the pain is triggered and happens?
My primary care doctor did say to me if cardiac issues are ruled out, then I may want to look into an Ortho therapy session or two. My massage therapist tells me that I am very tight in my left arm and shoulder and often finds knots in my left shoulder blade. But I just worry because I sometimes get chest pain and palpitations that coincide with that left arm pain.
In my case, I have been referred to a cardiologist and had an echo and wore a heart monitor for 24 hours. Will get the results in ten days.
Sometimes I wake up with the arm pain, sometimes it flares up when I am stressed or nervous. It makes me wonder what happened first - the pain itself, so I then worry. Or just worry in general, so the pain is triggered and happens?
My primary care doctor did say to me if cardiac issues are ruled out, then I may want to look into an Ortho therapy session or two. My massage therapist tells me that I am very tight in my left arm and shoulder and often finds knots in my left shoulder blade. But I just worry because I sometimes get chest pain and palpitations that coincide with that left arm pain.
Brief Answer:
MRI cervical spine will help confirming diagnosis.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case.
Pain in arm due to cardiac reasons can be less likely at your age of 36 yrs.
As you have already done cardiac investigation we can wait for test results.
Yes, pain can aggravate due to stress also.
Most probable reason for your arm pain can be cervical disc bulge leading to nerve compression.
Due to compression of this nerve root there is tingling numbness in your arm and fingers pain associated with it.
Sudden on and off pain can occur when ever nerve compresses.
MRI cervical spine will help confirming diagnosis.
For these symptoms muscle relaxant and neurotropic medication like pregabalin can be started consulting your doctor.
Till time, avoid lifting weights, Sit with support to neck. You can consult physiotherapist for help.
Physiotherapy like ultrasound and interferential therapy will give quick relief.
I will advise to check your vit B12 and vit D3 level.
Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries. If you are satisfied with answer do not hesitate to rate this answer at end of discussion.
Wishing you good health.
Take care.
MRI cervical spine will help confirming diagnosis.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case.
Pain in arm due to cardiac reasons can be less likely at your age of 36 yrs.
As you have already done cardiac investigation we can wait for test results.
Yes, pain can aggravate due to stress also.
Most probable reason for your arm pain can be cervical disc bulge leading to nerve compression.
Due to compression of this nerve root there is tingling numbness in your arm and fingers pain associated with it.
Sudden on and off pain can occur when ever nerve compresses.
MRI cervical spine will help confirming diagnosis.
For these symptoms muscle relaxant and neurotropic medication like pregabalin can be started consulting your doctor.
Till time, avoid lifting weights, Sit with support to neck. You can consult physiotherapist for help.
Physiotherapy like ultrasound and interferential therapy will give quick relief.
I will advise to check your vit B12 and vit D3 level.
Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries. If you are satisfied with answer do not hesitate to rate this answer at end of discussion.
Wishing you good health.
Take care.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Answered by
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