Although arm pain is not as common as Back Pain, it is still a leading cause of complaint and discomfort.

The most common arm problems are caused by repetitive strains and repetitive movements of the arms, commonly during manual work or recreational time. The repetitive movement causes an inflammatory reaction in the moving structures (tendon, muscle, bursa etc.) in turn causing pain, redness and loss of proper function. Most of the pain will come and go with some rest, however other serious arm problems warrant more attention.

In very acute cases, total reversal can be obtained in a few days of rest, with a little help from Physiotherapeutic modalities and medication. In more severe and chronic cases, where the offending movement is not stopped immediately, the inflamed structures may calcify and become unrepairable.

Speak to your doctor when;

• the pain lasts longer then 48 hours
• the pain worsens when the affected area is moved
• you lose your feeling in the affected arm
• you absolutely cannot straighten or move your arm
• the arm appears to be swollen or deformed
• pain in the arm is complemented by a shortness of breath or chest pain (this could be signalling a heart attack)