Why does my shoulder/arm hurt so much?

Do you have pain in your shoulder or arm? Have you tried all the pain killers/drugs without relief?

The numbness/pain on your arm could be caused by a nerve compression or irritation in the neck or shoulder where it branches from the spinal cord

Generally, most neck issues in the beginning are neither serious nor caused by a specific disease or condition. In these cases, tight muscles and other soft tissues tend to be at the root of the pain. Tight neck or shoulder muscles end up stressing the surrounding nerves resulting to nerve compression.

Some movements or head positions, such as putting the neck in extension (with the head back), straining the neck or turning the head—may increase the pain.

Causes.

• Trauma. Sudden injury that results in a herniated disk.
• Poor posture. Slouching eventually leads to tight neck and shoulder muscles.
• Poor sleeping habits or improper pillow.
• Weak neck muscles
• Repetitive activity. Doing the same thing repeatedly (such as typing on a computer, working on an assembly line or lifting things above your head) can over time, wear on your body's tissue.

 Symptoms

1. Tingling or the feeling of "pins and needles" in the fingers or hand
2. Pain or aches in your neck, shoulder or hand.
3. Weakening grip.
4. Arm fatigue with activity.
5. Weakness of arm or neck.
6. Loss of sensation
7. Muscle wasting in the fleshy base of your thumb.
8. Trouble sleeping on the painful side(symptoms may worsen while asleep)

Management

If you already have the above signs it’s advisable to visit a physical therapist who will help you to:-

• Examine and make proper diagnosis.
• Releasing the tight muscles manually.
• Give exercises that strengthen the affected muscles that help improve a person’s posture.
• Relieve Pressure on the irritated nerve.