Arm pain covers a wide range of symptoms, from aching and stiffness to burning, tingling, or weakness anywhere between the shoulder and the hand. Common causes include pinched nerves in the neck, shoulder problems, repetitive strain injuries, and nerve compression at the elbow or wrist.
Because the nerves that supply the arm start in the neck, arm pain often originates far from where it is felt. Identifying the true source is the key step, since treating the wrong spot rarely brings lasting relief.
Common symptoms
- Pain radiating from the neck or shoulder
- Numbness or tingling into the hand
- A grip that’s getting weaker
- Pain that flares with reaching or lifting
How interventional pain physicians treat it
Interventional pain physicians typically use a focused exam, and sometimes imaging or nerve studies, to trace arm pain to its source before treating it. Care may include:
- Physical therapy
- Cervical epidural injections
- Nerve blocks
- Trigger point injections
Treatment is always determined by a physician based on individual evaluation. This page is general information, not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my arm hurt if the problem is in my neck?
Nerves that exit the cervical spine travel down the arm. When one is irritated or compressed in the neck, pain, tingling, or weakness can be felt anywhere along the nerve’s path, sometimes with little or no neck pain at all.
When should arm pain be evaluated?
Arm pain that lasts more than a few weeks, wakes you at night, or comes with numbness, tingling, or weakness deserves evaluation. Sudden arm pain with chest pressure or shortness of breath should be treated as an emergency.
Will I need surgery?
Most arm pain improves without surgery. Specialists usually start with conservative and minimally invasive options, reserving surgical referral for cases with significant nerve compression or progressive weakness.
Independent, physician-owned practices in the DxTx network provide this kind of care across 11 states. One call connects you to the practice closest to you.