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Why Do I Have a Sharp Pain in the Back of My Arm Above My Elbow?

Published in Arm Pain Causes 2 mins read

The sharp pain you're experiencing in the back of your arm above your elbow could stem from several potential soft tissue disorders or nerve issues.

Possible Causes of Upper Arm Pain Above the Elbow

Based on the provided reference, here are some primary reasons for your discomfort:

  • Soft Tissue Disorders: These are common culprits behind upper arm pain.

    • Muscle Pull: A strain or tear in the muscles of your arm can cause sharp pain, particularly with movement.
    • Rotator Cuff Injury: While primarily affecting the shoulder, rotator cuff issues can sometimes radiate pain down the arm.
    • Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae (fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints) can lead to pain and discomfort.
    • Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons can be a source of pain, particularly with repetitive movements.
  • Nerve Issues:

    • Nerve Compression/Impingement/Destruction: Issues with nerve function can cause severe pain in the neck and upper arm region.
    • Brachial Neuritis: Inflammation of the brachial plexus nerves can lead to sudden, sharp pain in the shoulder, arm, and hand.
    • Cervical Radiculopathy: A pinched nerve in the neck can cause pain that radiates down the arm.

Summary of Potential Causes

Cause Category Specific Issue Description
Soft Tissue Muscle Pull A strain or tear in the arm's muscles.
Rotator Cuff Injury Damage to the group of muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint.
Bursitis Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs near the elbow.
Tendonitis Inflammation of the tendons near the elbow.
Nerve Issues Nerve Compression/Impingement/Destruction Pressure or damage to nerves in the area.
Brachial Neuritis Inflammation of nerves in the brachial plexus (shoulder and arm area).
Cervical Radiculopathy A pinched nerve in the neck causing radiating pain down the arm.

Next Steps

It's important to consult with a healthcare professional to get an accurate diagnosis. A doctor can perform a physical examination and order tests, such as an MRI or nerve conduction studies, to pinpoint the exact cause of your pain. Once diagnosed, a proper treatment plan can be implemented to alleviate the pain and address the underlying issue.