Pain in the shoulder and elbow | Pain in the shoulder and arm

Pain in the shoulder and elbow

If the pain in the upper arm has been preceded by a previous sporting activity or movement, a muscle strain may be considered. When a muscle is pulled, the muscle is overstretched and the individual muscle fibers are damaged. This results in a pain that runs from the shoulder to the elbow and occurs mainly during movement and stretching of the muscle. A fracture of the humerus can also cause pain from the shoulder to the elbow.

Pain in the shoulder and fingers

If the pain occurs from the shoulder to the fingers, it is usually assumed that there is a problem with the nerves. In many cases it is a so-called neuralgia (pain in the nerves), which can extend over the entire arm and to the shoulder blade. The pain is often accompanied by a tingling or numbness.

The reason for neuralgia is in many cases an inflammation of the nerves (neuritits). This is often caused by a one-sided, excessive strain. For example, assembly line jobs can lead to neuralgia, as the same movement is often performed for an entire shift.

Also the posture remains mostly the same and leads to a very one-sided strain on the muscles.The hardening of the muscles can press on nerves and thus cut off the blood supply to the nerve. This metabolic disorder then leads to pain. Herniated discs can also cause neuralgia. These can occur in the area of the cervical vertebrae, which can lead to pain radiating into the arms. This can also lead to paralysis of the muscles (see: Slipped disc of the cervical spine).

Pain mainly in the upper arm

In the case of pain in the shoulder and upper arm, which occurs particularly in the upper arm, a fracture of the humerus is suspected. The pain then occurs particularly on the upper arm, but can also radiate into the shoulder joint. If a fall occurred before the pain mentioned above, this suspicion is plausible.

Particularly in the case of severe falls, an x-ray of the upper arm should be taken to rule out a fracture. Indirect trauma can also lead to an upper arm fracture. Indirect trauma means that the fall has been absorbed by the outstretched arm or elbow and yet the humerus still breaks. If a fracture has occurred, it usually affects the head of humerus. Here the bone is somewhat weaker and breaks more easily, especially in older people.