When to See a Doctor About Arm Pain

It’s normal to feel some arm discomfort after physical activity or repetitive use. But if your arm pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, it may be time to consult a medical professional.

At Spinal Diagnostics, we help patients understand the source of their pain and find effective treatment options. Here’s how to know when your arm pain warrants a visit to the doctor.

Common Causes of Arm Pain

Arm pain can stem from a wide range of issues, including:

Repetitive strain or overuse injuries
Nerve compression in the neck or upper spine
Muscle or tendon injuries
Arthritis or joint degeneration
Trauma from falls or accidents
Certain heart conditions (in rare cases, pain in the left arm may signal a cardiac issue)

Pinpointing the source of your pain is essential for proper treatment, which is why we recommend seeking professional evaluation when symptoms don’t improve.

Signs It’s Time to See a Doctor

Don’t ignore your symptoms if you experience any of the following:

Arm pain that persists for more than a few days
Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations
Weakness in your hand, wrist, or arm
Pain that radiates from the neck or shoulder
Swelling, bruising, or visible deformity
Limited range of motion

These symptoms may suggest nerve involvement, joint degeneration, or structural issues in the spine that need targeted treatment.

How We Can Help

At Spinal Diagnostics, we perform comprehensive evaluations to determine the underlying cause of your arm pain. If the issue stems from spinal nerve compression, such as a herniated disc or cervical radiculopathy, we offer treatment options like:

Physical therapy
Image-guided injections
Minimally invasive procedures
Neuromodulation or nerve blocks

We tailor your treatment plan based on your condition, lifestyle, and goals to ensure the most effective path to relief.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

If you’re experiencing arm pain that disrupts your daily life, don’t wait for it to get worse. Contact us at Spinal Diagnostics to schedule an appointment. We’ll help you get to the root of your pain and start you on the road to recovery.

Things to Avoid With Degenerative Disc Disease

Things to Avoid With Degenerative Disc Disease Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common condition that affects the spine as we age. It occurs when the intervertebral discs — the cushions between your vertebrae — begin to break down, causing pain, stiffness, and...

The Dangers of Tech Neck

The Dangers of Tech Neck Whether you’re checking social media, answering emails, or watching videos, odds are good you spend several hours a day looking down at a device. Unfortunately, this frequent forward-head posture can strain the muscles in your neck and upper...

When Back Surgery Is Your Best Option

When Back Surgery Is Your Best Option Most people who develop back pain want to avoid surgery — and that’s a great instinct. At Spinal Diagnostics, we always prioritize conservative and minimally invasive treatments first. That said, back surgery remains a necessary...

Everything You Need to Know About mild® for Spinal Stenosis

Everything You Need to Know About mild® for Spinal Stenosis Chronic lower back and leg pain can make daily life incredibly difficult — especially when it’s caused by lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). If conservative therapies haven’t worked and you’re not ready for...

4 Common Migraine Triggers

4 Common Migraine Triggers If you experience migraines, you know how quickly they can disrupt your day. While migraines often seem to strike without warning, identifying your personal triggers can help you prevent or manage future attacks. At Spinal Diagnostics, we...

When Incontinence Disrupts Your Life: Here’s What to Do About It

When Incontinence Disrupts Your Life: Here’s What to Do About It Urinary incontinence affects millions of Americans and can be a frustrating and isolating condition. Whether it’s occasional leaks or a more constant issue, incontinence can interfere with your work,...

How Weather Changes Are Related to Migraines

How Weather Changes Are Related to Migraines Many people who suffer from migraines notice a pattern: their headaches worsen when the weather shifts. While scientists haven’t pinpointed all the mechanisms, there’s growing evidence that weather changes can trigger or...

The Connection Between Diabetes and Peripheral Neuropathy

The Connection Between Diabetes and Peripheral Neuropathy About 50% of people with diabetes will eventually develop peripheral neuropathy. This condition affects the nerves outside your brain and spinal cord and most commonly impacts the feet and legs first. At Spinal...

What Many People Don’t Understand About Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

What Many People Don’t Understand About Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Living with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) can be an incredibly frustrating and isolating experience. Often misunderstood and misdiagnosed, CRPS is a chronic pain condition that typically...

Childhood Trauma and PTSD: Warning Signs and Seeking Support

Childhood Trauma and PTSD: Warning Signs and Seeking Support Childhood trauma can leave lasting emotional and psychological scars that carry into adulthood. In many cases, these early experiences can contribute to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder...