What does shoulder and arm pain mean?

Shoulder and arm pain can have a variety of causes, ranging from minor injuries to serious medical conditions. Some of the most common causes include:

* Musculoskeletal injuries: These are the most common cause of shoulder and arm pain. They can occur from overuse, trauma, or degeneration. Examples include:

* Shoulder impingement: This occurs when the rotator cuff tendons become irritated or compressed.

* Rotator cuff tear: This is a tear in one or more of the rotator cuff tendons.

* Tendonitis: This is inflammation of a tendon.

* Bursitis: This is inflammation of a bursa, which is a fluid-filled sac that helps to reduce friction between tendons and bones.

* Frozen shoulder: This is a condition in which the shoulder joint becomes stiff and painful.

* Nerve compression: This can occur when a nerve is irritated or compressed. Examples include:

* Cervical radiculopathy: This is a condition in which a nerve root in the neck becomes compressed.

* Thoracic outlet syndrome: This is a condition in which the nerves and blood vessels in the thoracic outlet (the space between the collarbone and the first rib) become compressed.

* Medical conditions: Some medical conditions can cause shoulder and arm pain, such as:

* Heart attack: This can cause pain in the left shoulder and arm.

* Aortic dissection: This is a tear in the aorta, the largest artery in the body. It can cause pain in the chest, back, and arms.

* Lung cancer: This can cause pain in the shoulder and arm.

* Breast cancer: This can cause pain in the shoulder and arm.

If you are experiencing shoulder and arm pain, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.