Arm pain can stem from various health conditions, ranging from connective tissue disorders to neurological diseases affecting the spinal cord and nerve network. Some causes are minor, while others may signal serious medical conditions requiring immediate attention. Understanding the symptoms of a heart condition, rheumatoid arthritis, or peripheral neuropathy can help you determine when to seek medical care.
What autoimmune disease causes arm pain?
Autoimmune diseases that affect muscles, joints, and connective tissues can cause persistent arm pain.
Common autoimmune disorders linked to arm pain include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) – A chronic inflammatory disorder that attacks the joints, causing muscle weakness, stiffness, and loss of range of motion in the shoulder or arm.
- Lupus – Can cause inflammation in connective tissues, leading to joint pain and swelling.
- Polymyositis and dermatomyositis – Conditions that directly affect muscles, causing weakness and discomfort in the arm or hand.
Diagnosis often involves blood tests to check for inflammatory markers and immune system activity.
What disease makes your arms hurt?
Several health conditions can cause arm pain, including:
- Peripheral neuropathy – Nerve damage leading to tingling, numbness, and pain in the arm or hand.
- Brachial neuritis – An inflammation of the network of nerves in the shoulder that can cause severe pain followed by muscle weakness.
- Heart disease – Symptoms of a heart condition, such as chest pain and shortness of breath, may radiate into the left arm, signaling a possible heart attack.
- Cervical radiculopathy – Nerve compression in the spinal cord that can lead to pain and weakness in the arms.
A proper diagnosis requires imaging tests, blood tests, and nerve studies measuring electrical activity in the affected muscles.
What kind of arm pain is serious?
Seek immediate medical attention if your arm pain is accompanied by:
- Chest pain or discomfort spreading to the arm or hand
- Shortness of breath or dizziness
- Sudden muscle weakness or loss of range of motion
- Severe pain after an injury or trauma
These symptoms could indicate a spinal cord issue, a heart attack, or a neurological disorder.
What neurological disorders cause arm pain?
Neurological conditions affecting the network of nerves can lead to chronic arm pain.
Common disorders include:
- Peripheral neuropathy – Nerve damage causing tingling, burning, and pain in the shoulder or arm.
- Brachial neuritis – An inflammatory condition affecting the network of nerves in the arm, leading to muscle weakness and severe pain.
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) – A disease that damages the spinal cord, affecting nerve communication and potentially causing arm pain.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome – Compression of the median nerve, leading to numbness and pain in the arm or hand.
Chronic Pain Relief at The Pain Center
At The Pain Center, we treat a host of chronic pain conditions through integrated approaches. Our treatment plans are tailored to your unique pain level and lifestyle, prioritizing your quality of life above all else.
Request our help today!
