Arm pain


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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Arm pain can be caused by a wide variety of problems, ranging from joint injuries to compressed nerves. Depending on the cause, arm pain can start suddenly or develop over time. In many cases, arm pain actually originates from a problem in your neck or upper spine. Arm pain, particularly pain that radiates into your left arm, can even be a sign of a heart attack.

Causes
References
  1. Kinirons M, et al. French's Index of Differential Diagnosis: An A-Z. 15th ed. London, England: Hodder Arnold; 2011:35.
  2. Seller RH. Differential Diagnosis of Common Complaints. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:299.
  3. Heart attack. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/heartattack/. Accessed Feb. 5, 2013.
  4. Shoulder, arm and elbow. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/menus/arm.cfm. Accessed Jan. 30, 2013.
  5. Wilkinson JM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 3, 2013.
MY00114 April 9, 2013

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