Left arm pain can be of harmless origin. If you lifted heavy weights the day before or otherwise overexerted your arm, it can be a harmless one aching Blame it for the pain in my left arm. But also one Entrapment of a nerve of the arm plexus can cause pain in the left arm.
However, caution is advised with Sudden, violent pain in the left upper arm, as such pain is often the first indication of a, especially in older patients Heart attack and is therefore an absolute emergency.
It is therefore important not only to pinpoint the pain, but also to localize the various pain types Types of pain to distinguish.
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The causes of pain in the left arm are quite diverse and depend primarily on the type of pain (pulling, stabbing, annihilation pain). But the location of the pain is also of crucial importance.
Pain in the left upper arm can be caused by Incorrect loads arise. Especially with untrained patients who have been to the gym the day before heavy weight training have taken over, this can lead to pain in the left arm, which then only affects one aching are due or to a slight Muscle strain.
Another cause of arm pain may be the Entrapment of a nerve be. Between two neck muscles (in the so-called Scalenus gapthat of the two Mm. scaleni is formed) runs a Arm plexus (Brachial plexus), which is responsible for the nervous supply of the entire arm and the shoulder area. Between these two muscles the Squeezed arm plexus become. If this happens on the left side, it can too Pain in the left upper arm come.
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In addition, the Brachial plexus under the Collarbone (Clavicle) and must be in the Armpit pass another tightness. Especially patients who phone a lot and thereby place the receiver with the head on the left shoulder to have both hands free, narrow the plexus strongly. This allows it to Damage or pinching the nerves come to what Pain and numbness in the left arm.
If you wake up at night with numbness and pain in your left arm, the reason for this may be one arm extended upwards be. Because if you fall asleep at night with your left arm stretched upwards, this can lead to a narrowing of the nerve plexus, which is then noticeable in the form of numbness and pain in the left arm. Often the pain is enough down to your fingertips, but can also be limited to individual arm sections.
Occurs in addition to the pain in the arm Drawing in the left chest more serious illnesses such as a heart attack or pulmonary embolism must be ruled out.
Left arm pain
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Blockages in the cervical spine also cause the same symptoms, since the nerves originate here.
As long as the pain does not recur or last a long time, it is probably only a temporary narrowing. However, if the pain in the left arm persists or recurs, a doctor or physiotherapist must be consulted.
$config[ads_text4] not foundIn addition to the nerves, a problem in the shoulder joint can also cause pain in the left upper arm. The shoulder joint is strongly secured by the muscles and has additional bursa that allow the muscles to slide back and forth without any problems and thus enable almost any movement. If tendinitis occurs, especially in the biceps muscle of the upper arm, this can lead to pain in the left upper arm, which is particularly noticeable when moving. The reason for this is the tendon sheath of the biceps brachii muscle, which runs over the shoulder joint and can be damaged if the arm is pointing upwards. The subacrominal bursa, a fluid-filled bursa, can also become inflamed. This bursa is located between a protrusion of bone, the acromium and the tendon of the supraspinatus muscle. This bursa can easily become inflamed, especially in old age. This leads to severe pain in the left upper arm as soon as you move the arm, especially if you want to stretch it away from you. The reason for this is the supraspinatus muscle, which is normally separated from the surrounding bony structures by the bursa and is now narrowed by the swollen bursa.
Another possible cause of left arm pain is vaccination. After vaccination in the left upper arm, many patients complain of pain in the left arm that occurred after the vaccination. The only thing that helps here is to wait.
Read more on the topic: Pain after vaccination
In the case of thrombosis and inflammation of the superficial veins in the left arm (Thrombophlebitis) pain in the left arm can also occur. The thick superficial veins are visible here, which is why the cause of the pain in the left arm can usually be recognized quickly.
Another cause of pain in the left arm is osteoarthritis (cartilage wear) in the left shoulder or elbow joint. Due to the wear and tear of the joints, every movement leads to severe pain in the left arm.
Read more about this at: Pain in shoulder and arm
In older patients, if you have pain in the left arm, you should always think of a heart attack! If you suddenly experience severe pain, especially in the left upper arm, coupled with sweating and nausea, an emergency doctor should be called immediately! The pain differs significantly from "normal" pain, for example caused by an entrapment of the nerve. The pain occurs suddenly in the left arm and chest area. Since it is a particularly intense, stabbing pain, it is referred to as the so-called annihilation pain. However, it is important that a heart attack is not always accompanied by pain in the left arm. Especially with heart attacks in women, the pain is often projected into the abdominal area. Nevertheless, a heart attack should always be considered in the event of sudden severe arm problems in older people.
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You can also find more information here: Pain in the left arm as a sign of a heart attack
In order to be able to make a diagnosis, it is important to distinguish where exactly the pain is in the left arm and how it feels (in the case of annihilation pain, a heart attack is always suspected with immediate emergency medical treatment).
At prolonged pain with possible numbness should first be an extensive conversation (anamnese) must be carried out so that the doctor can Habits of the patient (for example, to find out whether too frequent calls with the receiver jammed is to blame for the nerve compression).
For further diagnoses an X-ray or CT scan be made to classify, for example, bone injuries or bursitis.
If a heart attack is suspected, we EKG measured and blood drawn, as certain enzymes, which are increasingly released after the heart attack, can be detected in the blood. Thus, one can determine quite precisely whether and when a heart attack was present.
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The Concomitant symptoms left arm pain can be very different.
Occurs alongside the pain in the left arm Numbness on, you can from one Entrapment or damage to a nerve go out.
But you can use the arm no longer move properly otherwise the pain will be too strong, one can use one Bursitis, Muscle inflammation or one arthrosis go out.
$config[ads_text2] not foundThe pain occurs in the left arm after one vaccination on, the symptoms are harmless and should only be viewed as a result of the vaccination. However, the pain should go away after a few days.
However, are the accompanying symptoms Sweating and nausea, should be contacted immediately in elderly patients Heart attack thought and the emergency doctor be notified! It is always an emergency that must be taken seriously.
Therapy for left arm pain varies depending on the disease.
At a Overload or after one vaccination only helps to wait until the pain in the left arm disappears. However, you can also use the arm train slowly and thus through continuous muscle training the Muscle building promote.
Is a Bursitis to blame for the pain in the left arm, should be considered a therapy longer physiotherapy be considered. Also one Glucocorticoid Injection in the Subacromial space is possible in more severe cases to relieve the swelling.
In the event of complaints by a Nerve entrapment, should be considered therapy physical therapy claim and possibly the Change lifestyle (no telephoning with the receiver jammed).
Even with one arthrosis is the best therapy option physical therapy and regular muscle training.
At a Heart attack however, therapy is difficult. It is true that the patient is given directly after the heart attack Nitrate-containing preparationsthat ensure that the coronary arteries expand again, but is one complete therapy not possible. Heart muscle cells that have died cannot be regenerated and therefore there is no therapy that can undo a heart attack. However, the pain in the left arm disappears quickly after a heart attack.
To avoid pain in the left arm, there is only one prophylaxis adequate exercise the poor and one healthy lifestyle.
Constant raising of the arms Over the head, for example when sleeping, should be avoided in order not to strain the bursa in the shoulder joint. Also unnatural or cramped postures, for example in front of the computer, should be avoided if possible.
Regular Strengthening the arm and shoulder muscles can also be used as prophylaxis to avoid pain in the left or right arm.
To one Heart attack prevention, which also leads to pain in the left arm, is the only prophylaxis Avoiding stress. Also one reduced-fat food and lots of exercise lead to improved blood circulation, which can minimize the risk of heart attacks.
The prognosis for pain in the left arm is usually very good.
Mainly by physical therapy you can remedy most pain very well or at least contain it.
A Inflammation of the bursa (Bursa sucacrominalis) in the shoulder joint can through physical therapy and Glucocorticoids can be successfully contained.
Are the pain in the left arm by a Entrapment of the nerves conditionally, the treatment is more difficult and a prognosis is therefore not always that easy. Just at In young patients, a narrowing of the plexus often grows together.
The prognosis for one Heart attack depend a lot on how old the patient is and how fast the heart attack is detected. However, if you act quickly, the forecasts are usually good. (see also: Heart attack main article)
It is generally difficult to make a statement about the duration of pain in the left arm. The duration varies individually depending on the cause of the pain. If the pain is based, for example, on an entrapment of nerve fibers, so that the pain occurs with a simultaneous feeling of numbness, the symptoms can quickly subside after the entrapment has been resolved, for example by changing the arm position. If sore muscles are responsible for the pain, the pain will subside after a week at the latest, depending on the intensity of the sore muscles. In both of these cases, a quick and uncomplicated healing process is foreseeable. However, the situation is different if the pain in the left arm is based on a herniated disc. A herniated disc is a more serious disease, in which one must reckon with optimal therapeutic care with a healing time of at least 4-6 weeks. As a rule, those affected have to struggle with it for several months. The duration of pain in the left arm can therefore vary from a few days to several months.
Pain that occurs simultaneously in the left arm and shoulder can have a variety of causes. The so-called "Shoulder arm syndrome“Is one of the most common reasons for the occurrence of pain in the left arm and shoulder. The direct cause of the development of the shoulder-arm syndrome are often diseases of the Cervical spine. As a relatively static axial organ, the cervical spine is already exposed to enormous loads during everyday activities and can therefore show normal signs of wear and tear, especially in older people. Pronounced, regular loads that exceed the usual level can accelerate this wear and tear process. In this context, however, it should be clear that normal signs of wear and tear of the cervical spine do not necessarily lead to pain in the left arm and the shoulder have to lead.
In most cases the patient remains completely symptom-free even with normal wear and tear on the cervical spine body. Patients suffering from shoulder-arm syndrome, however, show damage that is far beyond the corresponding age norm. Typical symptoms of shoulder-arm syndrome include pain that begins in the neck area and extends from there to the right or left shoulder and arm. In addition, the affected patient may experience neurological complaints such as Numbness, tingle and or Signs of paralysis come. In most cases this shows up Neck muscles as tense and hardened. For this reason, in addition to the pain in the left shoulder and the left arm, there are also significant restrictions on movement. The treatment of the shoulder-arm syndrome, which can lead to pain in the left arm and shoulder in affected patients, takes place in several steps. Above all, adequate relief of the symptoms plays a decisive role in treatment. The first choice in such cases is a pain reliever from the so-called group non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The advantage of these drugs is that they have both pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.
In addition, the regular implementation of acupuncture and / or local Massages help relieve pain in the left arm and shoulder in the long term. In the case of shoulder-arm syndrome, an attempt is usually first made to achieve an effect through treatment measures that are as gentle as possible. However, if the symptoms do not decrease significantly within a period of about two to three weeks, more invasive therapeutic strategies may have to be initiated. Another cause of left arm and left shoulder pain may be the presence of one Heart attack (Myocardial infarction) be. Such pain symptoms are one of the first and most important signs that a heart attack is imminent.
Pain in the left arm that affects the inside are limited are mostly caused by muscular causes. In cases where the pain occurs suddenly, for example during a stressful situation, there is a possibility that a Muscle strain present. The muscles on the inside of the left arm are primarily responsible for bringing the arm up to the trunk. Exercising excessive stress on these muscles can result in pain on the inside of the left arm. Under the term muscle strain (technical term: Distension) one generally understands the process of muscle stretching that exceeds the usual level and leads to a strong contraction of the individual muscle fibers.
As a result, hardening occurs within the muscle tissue. However, the muscle fibers themselves are not affected. Although the pain on the inside of the left arm caused by a pulled muscle is very strong, permanent damage can usually be ruled out. Complete recovery of the affected muscle can only be guaranteed if all physical activity is stopped immediately after the muscle strain has occurred. A pulled muscle that is causing pain in the inside of the left arm should be treated as soon as possible. Performing simple first aid measures can effectively alleviate the discomfort caused by the strain. Medical intervention is only necessary in the rarest of cases.
The most important first aid measures that should be initiated in the case of strain-related pain on the inside of the left arm can be described using the so-called PECH schemes derive.
P = (Pause) Exercise should be stopped immediately.
E. = (Ice) cooling can help to accelerate the healing process.
C. = (Compression) Apply an elastic pressure bandage.
H = Elevate
Please also read the article on the topic Left forearm pain.
Left arm and left shoulder pain are some of the common symptoms that people experience acute heart attack (acute myocardial infarction) occur. A heart attack is a persistent circulatory disorder in certain parts of the heart muscle. In most cases, the constipation is one or more Coronary arteries by small Blood clots causal. The heart attack, which among other things leads to pain in the left arm, is the most common cause of death in industrialized countries. The affected patients often experience the so-called symptoms years before the heart attack coronary artery disease (short: CHD). If there is now a blood passage disruption within a significantly changed coronary artery, the vessels react with a spasmodic constriction (Coronary spasm). In this way, the blood flow is further reduced and the blood supply to the heart muscle decreases again.
The severity of the heart attack, which leads to pain in the left arm, depends on the location as well as on the severity and duration of the circulatory disorder. In general, heart attacks can occur in different areas of the heart muscle. The exact location at which the heart attack occurs depends on which coronary artery is affected. Occlusions in the right coronary artery, for example, lead to a heart attack in the area of the posterior wall. Pathological changes in the left coronary artery, on the other hand, are localized on the front wall of the heart. In rather rare cases, a heart attack can also be provoked by other diseases. A typical example of such a disease is Pericarditis. In addition, bleeding and Tumors lead to a heart attack on or in the immediate vicinity of the heart.
Basically, anyone at an advanced age can have a heart attack that leads to pain in the left arm. Nevertheless, there are some risk factors that increase the risk of developing a heart attack many times over. The most important risk factors in this context include:
A heart attack can usually be diagnosed early on based on the typical symptoms. Most of the affected patients complain of severe chest pain right from the start. Typically there is also a feeling of pressure just behind the breastbone (sternum) or a Tightness all over the chest. In addition, many patients who have had a heart attack describe stabbing or tearing pain. This pain can be localized in the chest or spread to the left arm and shoulder. Some of those affected even report having pain in the area of the Neck, of Jaws, of Upper abdomen and des Back to have felt.
The pain that occurs during a heart attack is usually so severe that the so-called "Annihilation pain“Is spoken of. Other typical signs of a heart attack are Shortness of breath, nausea, cold sweat and Fear of death. In contrast to men, women who suffer from an acute heart attack often show atypical symptoms. Although left arm pain is common in both sexes, women often report upset stomachs, physical exhaustion and sleep disorders. If a patient has an acute heart attack, rapid intervention can have a decisive impact on the prognosis. The person concerned can help himself by immediately taking anti-coagulant medicines (aspirin) and makes an emergency call.
The combination of pain in the left arm with nausea is relatively special and can indicate a serious acute problem with the heart. What is meant here is the heart attack. The pain that can radiate into the arm is a typical sign of a heart attack. In addition to other symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea is one of the unspecific signs. It is therefore important to correctly interpret the combined symptoms. Women in particular should pay attention to nausea and pain in their left arm at the same time, since heart attacks are much more common in women because of such unspecific signs alone. The classic pain of annihilation is not infrequently absent in women, for example. The nausea is often accompanied by strong sweats. If you suspect a heart attack, it is important to call an emergency doctor.
Also read our topic: Heart attack in women and symptoms of a heart attack
A herniated disc in the area of the cervical spine is considered to be a rarer place of manifestation among the localizations of a herniated disc. Therefore, when diagnosing pain in the left arm, it is all the more important to remember that it may be a herniated disc of the cervical spine. The herniated disc material displaces the surrounding nerve tissue, resulting in pressure-related pain. Typically, those affected suffer a herniated disc at the C5 / 6, C6 / 7 or C7 / 8 level. In any case, pain that radiates over the shoulder to the left arm can be seen as the first sign of a herniated disc. The pain can have a different character: sometimes it is described as dull, but sometimes also as stabbing or pressing. It is typical that the pain has first manifested itself in the neck and throat area and then migrates to the arm. Pain caused by a herniated disc that occurs in isolation is more rare. Most of the time, those affected feel paresthesia in the arm, i.e. abnormal sensations, for example in the form of a tingling sensation. In order to verify whether the pain in the arm can be attributed to a herniated disc of the cervical spine, imaging tests can provide information. The suspicion of a herniated disc can also be hardened if those affected can provoke the pain in the left arm by tilting the head backwards or to the side.
Read more on the topic: Symptoms of a herniated disc of the cervical spine
Pain in the left arm that is accompanied by numbness can have various reasons, which in turn are more or less harmless. In any case, a doctor must be consulted to clarify the symptoms of deafness. The pinching of nerves in a nerve bundle can be considered a harmless cause. More precisely, this bundle of nerves is called the brachial plexus. It contains nerves that are responsible, among other things, for the motor and sensory innervation of the shoulder, arms and hands. Due to the spatial confinement in the shoulder and armpit area, where the brachial plexus is located, certain postures can lead to a pinching or narrowing of the plexus with the following pain and numbness. Typical postures that lead to this are lying on an outstretched arm at night. A herniated disc can be considered a less harmless cause of numbness. Depending on the severity of a herniated disc in the cervical spine, abnormal sensations such as tingling paresthesia or numbness can occur.
Pain that extends from the left arm to the hand can have different structures. For example, it can be both muscular pain and painful irritation of nerve structures. A precise diagnosis is therefore very important for pain that radiates into the hand. Tendonitis, fractures or other more serious diseases are often considered. In the end, fortunately, in many cases it is only about muscle tension. There are some muscles on the forearm that have their roots in different places on the hand. Repetitive movement patterns and heavy use of these forearm muscles can lead to sore muscles or tension. The pain then radiates from the forearm to the hand. Depending on the exact location, i.e. the inside or outside of the forearm, and the course of the pain radiation, conclusions can be drawn about the affected muscle. The only sensible therapy is the protection or, if possible, brief immobilization of the muscle groups. A pain reliever ointment, such as Voltaren® ointment, can also be helpful. As already said, one should not fail to recognize more serious illnesses. This also includes, for example, neurological diseases that are associated with nerve pain. A herniated disc of the cervical spine can also cause pain in the left arm that radiates into the hand.
Even with chest pain, that radiate into the left arm, it is suspected that these are the first signs of an acute heart attack. Affected patients should immediately send an emergency call (Telephone: 112) and express suspicion of a heart attack. The rescue specialists will arrive promptly and initiate appropriate initial measures. As a rule, the suspicion of the presence of a heart attack is made by means of EKG approved. In this context, however, it should be noted that not every form of myocardial infarction is visible in the ECG. The so-called "Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction“Can only be diagnosed through a blood test. Acute treatment of myocardial infarction, which too Chest pain and in the left arm, aims above all at the optimal oxygen supply of the heart, pain relief and the avoidance of complications.
Usually already on site Nitroglycerin spray, Morphine preparations, Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), Clopidogrel and Heparin administered. The administration of oxygen is only necessary if the oxygen saturation is particularly low red blood cells is measured. The general administration of oxygen is no longer recommended in the event of a heart attack due to its potentially harmful effects. The further diagnostic measures are then taken in the clinic and a suitable treatment strategy initiated. In the case of a heart attack that causes pain in the chest and left arm, the so-called Reperfusion therapy Means of choice.
Pain that occurs in the left arm and leg at the same time may be an indication of a poor posture. In the affected patients, there is a possibility that the left side of the body is already stressed too much by simple everyday activities. The incorrect posture of the body axis can lead to bony changes in the long term. These changes mainly affect the Spine, the hip, the Knee- and Ankle joint. The causes for the occurrence of these posture errors can be varied. In most cases, the discomfort felt by the patient can be attributed to long-term excessive exposure. Bad posture can be caused, for example, by frequent incorrect sitting or heavy physical work. They can also be provoked by carrying heavy bags or rucksacks, being overweight and having poor shoes. In addition, poor posture, which can lead to pain in the left arm and leg, is caused by a lack of physical activity and poorly trained Move- and Abdominal muscles favored.
Chronic pain in the arms and legs can also occur in connection with various general diseases. In direct comparison, however, these causes of pain in the left arm and leg are rather rare. A classic example of an underlying disease that can cause such symptoms is the so-called Polyneuropathy, which in the course of the Diabetes, Alcohol abuse or at Poisoning can occur. It is a disease of the Nervous system. Affected patients usually feel abnormal sensations and a strong tingling sensation at the beginning. In the further course there are sensory disturbances and pain in the arms and legs.
Left arm pain can be attributed to many causes. One of the most harmless causes is sore muscles. The sore muscles are particularly common in the two large muscles of the upper arm, biceps and triceps. Affected people who have been straining their arm muscles in the gym or in their free time for a long time often cannot directly attribute the pain to sore muscles. It is not uncommon for the pain not to manifest itself immediately after exercise, but only after 1-2 days, so that the connection is misunderstood. This pain usually only lasts a few days. However, if the pain is particularly severe and even after a week, the muscle may even be pulled. Then it is advisable to consult a doctor.
Also read our topic: aching
Pain in the area of the left arm, which is accompanied by a pronounced tingling sensation, can indicate the presence of the so-called Cervicobrachial syndrome Clues.
This condition is usually an irritation of the skin Nerve root underlying. In the case of pain and tingling in the left arm, the cause of the nerve root irritation can usually be found in the cervical spine. Typical changes that can limit the function of the individual nerve fibers are Vertebral osteoarthritis and the Herniated disc of the cervical spine. The segments of the C5 / 6, C6 / 7 and C7 / 8 Cervical vertebrae affected.
Persistent compression of the nerve root can lead to permanent motor deficits in addition to pain in the left arm and tingling sensation. For this reason, affected patients should visit a specialist promptly and have the cause of the complaint clarified. Subsequent damage can often be avoided by initiating suitable treatment quickly.
Body aches, for example in the form of pain in the left arm, is one of the most common complaints that lead to a visit to the family doctor. The causes of these ailments can be of a simple one cold up to serious diseases of the Nervous system pass. Typically, aching limbs that can be traced back to a cold never occurs in isolation on one limb. Rather, the affected patients feel when they have a cold or one a flu-like infection Pain in the left arm and other extremities. In addition, the pain in the limbs typical of a cold usually occurs acutely, i.e. shortly before other symptoms set in.
Pain in the left arm that lasts for weeks is usually caused by another underlying disease. With infections by bacterial or viral Pathogens, for example with a cold, cause other complaints in addition to pain in the limbs. Most of the affected patients also describe the presence of a headache, fever and fatigue.
