Why does my entire arm, up to the shoulder, hurt?

Pain affecting the entire arm up to the shoulder may be caused by overexertion, muscle strain, cervical spondylosis, periarthritis of the shoulder (frozen shoulder), peripheral neuropathy, and other conditions.

1. Overexertion

Prolonged incorrect posture or repetitive movements involving the arm and shoulder area may lead to muscle overuse, resulting in muscle tension, soreness, and discomfort. It is recommended to rest adequately. Under a doctor's guidance, local cold compresses may be applied to help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

2. Muscle Strain

Sustaining static positions for long periods or engaging in intense physical activity may cause muscles in the arm and shoulder to remain in an overloaded state, leading to aseptic inflammation. Without sufficient rest, this can result in muscle strain, causing swelling, soreness, and pain from the arm to the shoulder, along with limited local mobility. Adequate rest is advised. Under the supervision of a qualified physician, treatments such as ultrasound therapy or infrared radiation may be used to improve blood circulation and alleviate symptoms.

3. Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis commonly causes neck and shoulder pain. When degenerative changes in the cervical discs compress or irritate adjacent spinal cord, nerves, or blood vessels, radiating pain may occur, leading to pain from the shoulder down the arm, neck stiffness, and restricted movement. As directed by a physician, medications such as mecobalamin tablets, oryzanol tablets, and vitamin B1 tablets—used to nourish nerves—may be taken to promote nerve function recovery.

4. Periarthritis of the Shoulder (Frozen Shoulder)

Injury to the shoulder joint capsule, surrounding ligaments, tendons, or bursae may easily lead to periarthritis of the shoulder, causing shoulder joint pain. As the condition progresses, the pain may spread and intensify, resulting in pain from the shoulder down the arm, joint stiffness, and severely restricted shoulder movement. It is recommended to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as prescribed. Commonly used medications include celecoxib capsules, etoricoxib tablets, and meloxicam tablets, which help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

5. Peripheral Neuropathy

This condition may arise due to nerve injury, compression, or other irritations. Damaged nerves may send abnormal signals, leading to pain, sensory disturbances, motor dysfunction, and autonomic nervous system disorders. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy, administered by a qualified healthcare provider, may help alleviate symptoms.

It is recommended to seek medical attention at a hospital for thorough evaluation and accurate diagnosis. Prompt treatment under medical supervision can help relieve symptoms. During treatment, ensure adequate rest and avoid excessive physical strain.