Have you ever felt a sudden pain in your arm when you cough? It might seem strange, but it’s actually a common issue that many people experience. This pain isn’t just random; it can happen for different reasons, like muscle strain or nerve compression. As this kind of localized pain points toward many things, finding the exact cause behind it can be confusing. Therefore, seeking a medical diagnosis is a must. Let’s discuss what makes your arm hurt when you cough.
Causes of Arm Pain While Coughing
Feeling pain in your arm when you cough can be worrisome. Though it may seem unrelated, this discomfort can have different causes. According to Randy Y. Luo, MD, MBA, “Arm pain when you cough is like a puzzle, whether it’s due to nerve compression or muscle strain, each cause needs to be examined to understand your overall health.” These possible causes include:
Nerve Compression or Pinched Nerves
A common reason for arm pain while coughing is nerve compression, also known as a pinched nerve. Coughing increases pressure in your chest and spine, irritating nerves that run from your neck to your arm. This can cause sharp pain, tingling, numbness, or even muscle weakness. Conditions like herniated discs or thoracic outlet syndrome can make the pain worse. However, treating the root cause of nerve compression is crucial for finding relief.
Referred Pain
Referred pain happens when a problem in one part of your body causes discomfort in another. Since the nerves in your chest, shoulders, and arms are closely connected, a cough can trigger pain that spreads to your arm. This happens due to muscle contractions and pressure changes in your body.
Muscle Strain
Coughing requires force, especially if you have a persistent cough from a cold, flu, or another illness. Repeated movements can strain muscles in your chest, shoulders, and back, leading to arm pain. Strained muscles may feel sore, stiff, or tender, and the pain might worsen with movement.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Thoracic outlet syndrome occurs when nerves or blood vessels between your collarbone and first rib get compressed. Coughing can increase pressure in this area, leading to arm pain, swelling, numbness, or weakness.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
If you have carpal tunnel syndrome, coughing can make your symptoms worse. This condition happens when the median nerve in the wrist is compressed, causing tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hand and fingers. The increased pressure from coughing can cause the pain to extend up your arm.
Heart-Related Causes
In some cases, arm pain while coughing could signal a heart issue like angina or even a heart attack. These conditions cause reduced blood flow to the heart and may lead to pain spreading from the chest to the left arm. Other symptoms can include shortness of breath, dizziness, or nausea. If you suspect a heart problem, seek medical help immediately.
Lung-Related Causes
Certain lung conditions, such as pleurisy (inflammation around the lungs) or a pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lungs), can cause chest pain that spreads to the arms when you cough. These conditions need urgent medical attention.
Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus can cause inflammation in joints and tissues. If you have an autoimmune condition, coughing may worsen inflammation and cause arm pain.
When to Seek Medical Intervention?
“While occasional arm pain during coughing is usually not serious, certain symptoms require immediate medical attention.” Says Dr. Randy Y. Luo, MD, MBA. Knowing when to seek help is important for identifying and treating serious conditions early.
If your arm pain is severe or getting worse, it’s best to see a doctor. Persistent numbness, tingling, or sudden weakness in the arm could mean nerve problems. Swelling in the shoulder, elbow, or wrist may signal joint issues. Chest pain that spreads to the arm, especially with trouble breathing or dizziness, could point to heart problems. A persistent fever with fatigue or difficulty breathing might suggest an infection. Coughing up blood is a serious symptom that requires urgent medical evaluation.
To determine the cause of arm pain when coughing, doctors will examine you and ask about your medical history. They may check for injuries, swelling, or muscle weakness. Imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans help assess bone and soft tissue health. Blood tests can detect infections or inflammation. If nerve issues are suspected, an electromyography (EMG) test may be done to check nerve function.
Wrapping Up
You can feel arm pain while coughing, which can be due to many serious and non-serious reasons. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to it. If your arm pain comes with chest pain or other signs of a heart attack, get medical help right away. Your treatment options depend on the cause of your arm pain.
Annie Edith is an experienced journalist and content creator with a strong passion for health and wellness. She takes a unique approach to her writing, exploring the latest trends in Dental, Fitness, and mental well-being, while providing readers with informative, research-based articles.
