Arm Pain
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Pain in the Left Arm
Little aches and pains in the left arm are characteristic of many different musculoskeletal pains already described. But sudden or extraordinary left arm pain might be an indication of a more serious medical issue. It is possible that it is a symptom of an injury that requires medical attention, in the worst-case scenario it can be the result of a heart attack.
Being aware of the possible causes and characteristics of left arm pain can help someone recognize what the body is responding to and decide when it is necessary to seek medical advice. A heart attack occurs when part of the heart muscle is damaged or stops working altogether due to a lack of oxygen.
Left arm pain is one of the most common symptoms of a heart attack as the nerves that originate from the heart and those coming from the arm send signals to the same brain cells. Therefore, the brain cannot differentiate the source of the pain. This phenomenon is known as referred pain and explains why an individual experiencing a heart attack may feel arm pain without necessarily having chest pain.
Pain in the Right Arm
Unlike left arm pain, pain felt in the right arm is not typically a cause for alarm since the heart does not refer to this side. Pain in the right arm is usually not life threatening and can be attributed to various biomechanical injuries such as trapped nerves, sprains, strains, tendonitis, and muscle imbalances.
If a person experiences any combination of sudden symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, or pain in the lower abdomen, back, or jaw, they should take it as an emergency and seek medical attention right away. It is better to be safe than sorry and a prompt medical assessment can help determine the cause of the symptoms and provide the necessary treatment.
BIOMECHANICAL CAUSES OF ARM PAIN
It is crucial to recognize the intricate problems that may be caused by mechanical stresses and strains on the system. The neck and the nerves that supply the arm have an indispensable role in this circumstance, as they control the firing or movement patterns of the arm. Therefore, an irritation of the neck can lead to muscular instability and, eventually, an injury along the arm.
To find an accurate diagnosis, a thorough examination and, occasionally, X-rays are necessary. The following are some of the potential sources of arm pain:
- Trapped Nerves: most commonly referred from the neck
- Epicondylitis: Repetitive strain injuries, e.g., tennis elbow or golfers’ elbow,
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: causing pain in the wrist and hand
- Muscle strains or sprains: e.g., bicep strain/tendinopathy
- Rotator cuff injuries (in the shoulder)
- Arthritis
- Bursitis (various)
- Clavicle or Scapular dysfunction and referral
- Muscular trigger points
DISC TREATMENT PROTOCOL
The first step in treating arm pain is to find the underlying cause, often the pain experienced by a patient is the last “domino” to fall in a cascade of reactions. A thorough examination at our DISC Clinic in Surbiton will help not only identify exactly what is generating the pain but aim to understand its root cause.
Once a diagnosis is determined, treatment options to address the issue can be explored. Pain relief, corrective measures, and preventative strategies can be implemented to ensure the problem does not return in the future.
Spinal Decompression Therapy is one of the powerhouse treatments available at The DISC Chiropractors, its traction technology provides a unique ability to heal disc injuries and to un-trap the nerves that are often at fault for issues further down the chain for example in the arms and legs.
When conditions struggle to heal, Laser Therapy is an extremely safe and effective method of advancing rates of recovery. It’s warm photon light energy stimulates mitochondrial activity to enhance recovery in each and every cell of the body. Laser therapy is especially useful in cases of inflammation, such as arthritic and repetitive strain conditions.
A major part of how our treatment protocols work is to ensure whilst the pain is coming under control, we are filling the patient with the knowledge of how to keep and maintain their results using corrective measures and rehabilitation tools to enhance their outcomes.
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If you would like to find out what we could do to help your Arm Pain, please click the icon below to book a thorough consultation to evaluate your case.