Why Shoulder Pain Spreads To The Arm
Shoulder discomfort is rarely isolated to the joint itself. Many individuals find that a dull ache or sharp sensation in the shoulder eventually travels down the bicep, elbow, or even into the hand. Understanding why this happens is the first step toward finding sustainable shoulder pain relief . The shoulder is a complex intersection of nerves, tendons, and muscles, and when one component is affected, the symptoms often radiate along the limb. Referred Pain and Nerve Pathways The most common reason for pain spreading from the shoulder to the arm is referred pain. This occurs when the brain is unable to distinguish the exact source of a painful stimulus because multiple body parts share the same nerve pathways. Rotator Cuff Issues: Small tears or inflammation in the rotator cuff tendons often manifest as an ache in the outer arm rather than deep in the joint. Nerve Compression: The brachial plexus is a bundle of nerves that travels from the neck through the shoulder. If these n...