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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffArm pain usually refers to pain originating from somewhere between your shoulder and your wrist. However, arm pain doesn't have to originate in your arm; spinal problems or injuries can cause pain that you feel in your arm but that actually arises in your neck and upper back. Pain that radiates into your left arm can even be a sign of a heart attack.
Your arms are made up of three major bones and nerves as well as muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints. All are susceptible to damage or injury that can cause arm pain.
Often, arm pain is fairly minor, but some fractures and nerve problems can cause severe pain and may require extensive medical care. Other types of arm pain usually respond well to home treatments.
- Tendonitis of the long head of the biceps. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00026. Accessed July 23, 2010.
- Broken arm. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00078. Accessed July 23, 2010.
- Ulnar nerve entrapment. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00069. Accessed July 23, 2010.
- Burners and stingers. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00027. Accessed July 23, 2010.
- Ropper AH, et al. Pain in the back, neck, and extremities. In: Ropper AH, et al. Adams & Victor's Principles of Neurology. 9th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2009. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aid=3631240. Accessed July 23, 2010.
- Sprains and strains. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Sprains_Strains/default.asp. Accessed July 23, 2010.
- McInnis K. Repetitive strain injuries. In: Frontera WR, et al. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Musculoskeletal Disorders, Pain, and Rehabilitation. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/211230325-3/0/1678/108.html?tocnode=55149030&fromURL=108.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-4007-1..50099-7_1593. Accessed July 23, 2010.
- Thoracic outlet syndrome information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/thoracic/thoracic.htm. Accessed July 23, 2010.
- Brachial plexus injuries information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brachial_plexus/brachial_plexus.htm. Accessed July 23, 2010.
- Robinson J, et al. Clinical features and diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 23, 2010.
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