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Upper Limb Pain (i.e. the arm) can occur as a result of a specific injury to the shoulder, elbow or wrist but can often be referred from the cervical spine (neck).
Optimal function of the arm relies on balanced muscle function around the shoulder blades which connect the arm to the rib cage.
Poor postural habits e.g. slouched sitting with rounded shoulders can result in upper limb pain due to some muscles becoming short and tight and others being lengthened and inefficient. This alters the way the muscles functions around the shoulder, placing them at risk for injury.
Injured muscles, tendons and ligaments supporting the shoulder joint can result form repeated minor strains resulting in upper limb pain both locally and referred pain further down the arm.
Osteoarthritis (bony wear and tear) is rare in the shoulder joint as it is not a weight bearing joint. However bony spurs can occur underneath the acromion (bony tip on top of the shoulder) and irritate the underlying bursa resulting in upper limb pain spreading down as far as the wrist.
The nerve supply to the muscles of the upper limb arise from the spine at the lower joints of the neck.
Swelling from joint strains or wear and tear of the discs and joints in the neck can narrow the space an irritate the nerves that pass near them also resulting in upper limb pain.
What happens if I have Upper Limb Pain?
Physiotherapists at Eastern Sports and Spinal Care are skilled in the assessment of Upper Limb Pain and will determine the contributing factors, explain them to you and them commence threatment to optimise your recovery. to your symptoms and will address specific treatment to optimise your recovery.
