In this article, you will find out everything you need to know about stabbing pain in the upper arm and the most effective ways to treat it, including an advanced treatment called Prolotherapy.
Upper Arm Pain Blog
Table of Contents
Introduction to Upper Arm Pain
Upper arm pain is a frequent concern that affects people from all walks of life, often disrupting daily activities and overall well-being. This type of pain can present in many forms, from a dull ache or burning pain to a sudden, sharp pain that makes it difficult to move the arm. The causes of upper arm pain are varied, ranging from a sudden injury like a rotator cuff injury or broken arm bone, to chronic health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, cervical radiculopathy, or thoracic outlet syndrome.
The upper arm is a complex region, anchored by the humerus (upper arm bone) and supported by the shoulder joint, rotator cuff, and surrounding muscles. These structures work together to provide strength and mobility, but they are also susceptible to strain, overuse, and injury. Even everyday activities or playing sports can sometimes lead to pain in the upper arm, especially if the muscles or tendons are overstressed.
Acute upper arm pain often results from a sudden injury—such as a fall, car accident, or sports mishap—that can cause severe pain, swelling, or even a fracture. Chronic pain, on the other hand, may develop gradually due to repetitive strain, nerve compression, or underlying health conditions. For example, nerve impingement in the neck (cervical radiculopathy) or reduced blood flow from heart disease can cause pain radiating into the upper arm, sometimes accompanied by chest pain or numbness. In rare cases, pain in the upper arm may signal a more serious issue, such as a heart attack or spinal cord injury, especially if it is associated with symptoms like shortness of breath, cold sweat, or weakness.
Recognizing the root cause of upper arm pain is essential for effective treatment. While some cases can be managed with self care—such as resting the arm, applying an ice pack or frozen peas to reduce swelling, and avoiding activities that worsen the pain—others may require medical help. Physical therapy is often recommended to restore strength and mobility, particularly after a rotator cuff injury or strain injury. In more severe cases, medication or even surgery may be necessary to address the underlying cause.
If you experience severe pain, persistent swelling, or symptoms like chest pain, numbness, or tingling in your arm, it is crucial to seek prompt medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent long-term complications and ensure the best possible outcome. By understanding the potential causes and taking appropriate steps, you can manage upper arm pain effectively and maintain your quality of life.
Causes of Stabbing Pain in Upper Arm
Stabbing pain in the upper arm may result from muscle injuries, nerve impingement, joint inflammation, shoulder injury, or in some cases, a serious health condition such as heart disease. Various types of shoulder injury can result in stabbing pain in the upper arm. The most common causes include:
- Muscle sprains and strains: Overstretching or tearing of the muscles, known as muscle strain, can cause upper arm pain. Muscle sprains and strains are common in athletes and people performing repetitive tasks, often causing pain, inflammation, and restricted movement.
- Rotator cuff injury: Damage to the rotator cuff muscles or tendons can cause sharp pain, especially when lifting the arm. A rotator cuff tear is a specific type of rotator cuff injury, often seen in individuals who perform overhead activities, and is characterized by weakness, limited movement, and pain.
- Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder): This painful condition is characterized by stiffness and limited movement in the shoulder due to thickening and tightening of the shoulder joint capsule, causing pain and restricted mobility. Adhesive capsulitis can take up to two years to heal fully.
- Fractures: A fracture of the humerus or shoulder blade can cause severe pain in the upper arm. Broken bones in these areas are often accompanied by severe swelling, bruising, and loss of function, especially after trauma.
- Nerve impingement or inflammation: Compression or irritation of nerves in the neck or shoulder can radiate pain down the arms, sometimes causing pain, numbness, or electric shock sensations.
- Systemic conditions: Some systemic diseases, such as liver cirrhosis or failure, can cause pain in the right arm, while angina or heart attack may cause pain on the left side of the upper arm. Pain in the left side is particularly concerning for heart issues. These symptoms may indicate an underlying health condition that requires medical attention.
Rotator Cuff Injury
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder. A rotator cuff tear is a common and serious type of rotator cuff injury, often causing sharp pain and weakness. Millions of people suffer rotator cuff injuries each year. In one study, the prevalence of this injury in a mountainous village population was 20.6% (2).
Common in athletes, painters, and manual workers, rotator cuff injuries—including rotator cuff tears—often cause sharp upper arm pain, reduced range of motion, and weakness (3).
Muscle Sprains
Muscle strain, which involves overstretching or tearing of the muscle fibers, is a common cause of upper arm pain. Upper arm pain may also be caused by muscle sprains or strains, often occurring after lifting heavy objects or sudden movements. This is one of the most common musculoskeletal causes of upper arm pain.
Soft Tissue Inflammation
The upper arm and shoulder rely on tendons, ligaments, and bursae. Overuse or repetitive strain may cause tendonitis or bursitis (4), leading to swelling, tenderness, and persistent arm pain. Supraspinatus tendonitis is a common example.
Fracture
A humerus fracture can lead to severe pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Fractures can also involve the shoulder blade, which may cause pain and functional impairment in the upper arm. Broken bones, such as those of the humerus or shoulder blade, are severe injuries that may require surgical intervention for proper healing. Severe swelling is a common symptom of broken bones, especially following trauma. Risk factors include osteoporosis, low calcium intake, and menopause (5).
Nerve Impingement
Pinched nerves, often due to a slipped disc or cervical radiculopathy, can cause stabbing upper arm pain with tingling or numbness (6).
Brachial Neuritis
The brachial plexus is a network of nerves supplying the arm. Brachial neuritis can affect one or both arms, leading to severe arm pain, muscle weakness, and functional loss (7).
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can both cause stabbing upper arm pain. These conditions lead to joint inflammation, bone spurs, and reduced mobility, often requiring long-term management strategies.
Angina
Pain on the left side of the upper arm may indicate angina, a condition that is particularly concerning because it can signal underlying heart problems. Angina occurs when the oxygen supply to the heart is reduced due to narrowed blood vessels, causing pain in the chest and arm. Symptoms include chest tightness, shortness of breath, and radiating pain (8).
Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)
Radiating left arm pain with chest pressure, cold sweats, and breathlessness may signal a heart attack. This is a medical emergency—call 999 immediately if suspected.
Liver Cirrhosis/Failure
In rare cases, patients may experience pain in the right arm due to liver failure or cirrhosis, and this right arm pain can be a symptom of these liver conditions, often accompanied by abdominal pain.
Diagnosis of Stabbing Pain in Upper Arm
Physical Exam
Doctors assess range of motion, tenderness, and function through physical examination.
Imaging
Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, ultrasound, or CT scans may be ordered to detect fractures, soft tissue injuries, or nerve compression.
Cardiac Tests
If a cardiac cause is suspected, blood tests and heart function tests such as ECG and ETT are performed.
Treatment of Stabbing Pain in Upper Arm
Treatment depends on the cause and severity. Options include:
- Home remedies such as rest, ice, and elevation (following the RICE protocol) as initial self-care measures
- Over-the-counter painkillers (ibuprofen, paracetamol)
- Rest and cold/heat therapy
- Prescription anti-inflammatories (corticosteroids)
- Physical therapy for mobility and strength
- Surgery for severe cases (e.g., fractures, torn ligaments)
Sports medicine specialists are often involved in the diagnosis and treatment of sports-related upper arm injuries, integrating their expertise with regenerative techniques for optimal recovery.
Prolotherapy
In recent years, prolotherapy has built its reputation within the medical community due to its clinically proven ability to treat arm pain.
Published research has proven its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory and regenerative benefits.
Prolotherapy involves injecting a natural regenerative solution with small needles. This has been shown to reduce swelling, which helps with arm pain.
As prolotherapy is helping to treat the root cause of arm pain, it is deemed a permanent fix, preventing the symptoms from returning.
Conclusion
Stabbing upper arm pain is common and may result from musculoskeletal injuries, nerve conditions, or cardiovascular problems. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial for proper treatment. While mild cases may be managed with rest and physiotherapy, serious conditions such as angina or heart attack require urgent medical attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes an electric shock feeling in the arm?
Brachial plexus injuries, often from sports or trauma, may cause electric shock-like sensations down the arm.
What does nerve damage in the arm feel like?
Symptoms include stabbing pain, burning, tingling, numbness, or weakness. Many people with nerve damage also develop heightened sensitivity to cold or touch, and may feel pain from stimuli that are not normally painful.
Can a pinched nerve feel like an electric shock?
Yes. A pinched nerve may cause shooting pain, burning, or tingling sensations, often felt like an electric shock.
How long does a pinched nerve last?
Some cases resolve within days, while others may persist for 4–6 weeks or longer. Persistent symptoms require medical evaluation.
What causes stabbing pain in the bicep?
Bicep stabbing pain may result from muscle injury, tendon tears, fractures, or nerve compression. Chronic conditions like arthritis or frozen shoulder may also contribute.
What should I do if I have sharp arm pain?
Basic steps include rest, applying ice packs for 15–20 minutes several times daily, and elevating the arm. Seek medical help if symptoms persist or worsen.
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Author Bio
Having performed over 10,000 procedures, Mr. Oliver Eaton is one of the UK’s leading practitioners in the field of treating arm pain. With over 12 years of clinical experience, he is dedicated to helping patients understand their symptoms and providing effective treatment options. He trained in Prolozone Therapy and Prolotherapy with the American Academy of Ozonotherapy and pursued advanced training at the Royal Society of Medicine, Charing Cross Hospital, Keele University, and Heidelberg University in Germany.
Oliver has treated many elite-level athletes, including Olympic and Commonwealth medallists.
LinkedIn: Oliver Eaton