Arm Pain That Won’t Go Away? Here’s What Might Be Wrong

Understanding Arm Pain Causes Symptoms and When to Seek Help

Understanding Arm Pain in the Modern Age

Arm pain is becoming more common in modern life. This is largely due to work and lifestyle habits that place stress and strain on the neck, shoulders, arms, and hands. These issues can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty with work and sports activities.

The overuse of computers and mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets, is a major factor contributing to arm-related pain. Poor posture, prolonged screen use, and incorrect ergonomics lead to neck strain and cervical spine issues, which can cause nerve compression that radiates pain down the arm.

Sports-Related Arm Pain

Certain sports and physical activities also contribute to arm injuries, including:

• Tennis, badminton, golf

• Weight training and gymnastics

• Martial arts (judo, karate, jujitsu, kendo, etc.)

• Rugby and football

• Horse riding

• Even yoga and pilates, if done incorrectly

  
  

Common Causes of Arm Pain

1. Nerve-Related Pain (Radiculopathy & Nerve Compression)

• Cervical spine (neck) disc protrusions can press on or irritate nerves, causing pain in the neck, shoulders, and arms.

• Radiculopathy occurs when a pinched nerve in the spine causes pain that radiates down the arm.

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Pressure on the median nerve in the wrist, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness in the fingers.

  
  

2. Joint, Tendon, and Muscle Injuries

• Frozen shoulder – Causes stiffness and reduced shoulder mobility.

• Rotator cuff injuries – Partial tears or strains in the shoulder muscles.

• Tennis elbow & Golfer’s elbow – Tendon injuries causing pain in the elbow.

• De Quervain’s tenosynovitis – Pain at the base of the thumb and wrist.

• Muscle strains or tears – Common in shoulders, arms, and wrists due to repetitive movements or trauma.

  
  

3. Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSI)

• Common in office workers, musicians, and manual laborers.

• Prolonged computer use can lead to wrist, elbow, and shoulder pain.

• Overuse of small muscles in the hand and arm can lead to chronic inflammation and pain.

Diagnosing Arm Pain

Many people try traditional massage therapy, chiropractors, or physical therapy to relieve arm pain. However, if the pain does not improve after three visits or worsens, seeking medical attention from a spine and nerve specialist is crucial.

Clinical Examination

• Posture assessment and joint mobility tests

• Muscle strength evaluation

• Nerve function assessment

  
  

Diagnostic Imaging & Tests

• MRI scans – Detects nerve compression, disc herniation, and joint injuries.

• X-rays – Assesses bone structure and joint alignment.

• Nerve conduction studies (NCS) & Electromyography (EMG) – Measures nerve function.

Treatment Options for Arm Pain

1. Non-Surgical Treatments

• Medications – Anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxers to reduce pain.

• Physical therapy – Strengthens muscles, improves posture, and prevents further injury.

• Ergonomic adjustments – Correcting sitting posture and computer workstation setup.

• Laser therapy and ultrasound – Helps reduce inflammation and pain.

  
  

2. Minimally Invasive Procedures

For persistent nerve pain, advanced spinal and nerve treatments include:

• Laser spine injections – Reduces nerve pressure from disc protrusions.

• Endoscopic carpal tunnel release – Relieves nerve compression in the wrist.

• Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) – Removes herniated discs pressing on nerves.

  
  

3. Surgical Options for Severe Cases

When nerve compression is severe or prolonged, surgery may be necessary.

• Microsurgical decompression – Removes pressure from pinched nerves.

• Disc replacement surgery – For serious cervical spine disc problems.

• Shoulder or elbow arthroscopic surgery – Repairs joint injuries.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

⚠ Pain radiating down the arm with numbness or tingling.

⚠ Weakness in the hand, fingers, or grip strength.

⚠ Severe pain that does not improve with rest or medication.

⚠ Loss of coordination in the arm or hand movements.

If the nerve is compressed severely or for too long, recovery may be incomplete even after surgery. Early diagnosis and intervention are essential for preventing long-term damage.

Preventing Arm Pain

To reduce the risk of developing chronic arm pain, I recommend:

✅ Maintaining good posture – Avoid slouching and keep your screen at eye level.

✅ Stretching exercises – Keep shoulders, arms, and wrists flexible.

✅ Using ergonomic workstations – Ensure keyboard and mouse placement reduce strain.

✅ Taking frequent breaks – Avoid prolonged sitting and repetitive movements.

✅ Strengthening exercises – Build shoulder and arm strength to support joints.

Expert Arm Pain Care at Singapore Brain Spine Centre

At Singapore Brain Spine Centre, I provide:

• Comprehensive evaluations for nerve and joint-related arm pain.

• Advanced imaging and nerve function tests for accurate diagnosis.

• Minimally invasive and surgical treatment options for long-term pain relief.

  
  

Struggling with Arm Pain? Get Expert Help Today

If you have persistent shoulder, wrist, or arm pain, do not ignore the symptoms. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can prevent long-term damage and nerve complications.

Book a consultation today at Singapore Brain Spine Centre and take the first step toward pain relief and recovery.