Left Arm Pain: Is It Your Heart, a Nerve, or a Muscle Injury?

Quick Summary: Left arm pain is a classic symptom of a heart attack, but it is also frequently caused by cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerves), rotator cuff tears, or simple muscle strain. If your arm pain is accompanied by chest pressure, nausea, or shortness of breath, call 911 immediately.

Few symptoms cause as much immediate anxiety as a sudden ache or sharp pain in the left arm. Because the left arm is the "classic" location for radiating cardiac pain, your mind likely jumps to the worst-case scenario. While you should never ignore this symptom, there are several common causes that have nothing to do with your heart.

At Volusia Medical Center, we provide rapid diagnostics in DeLand, New Smyrna Beach, and South Daytona to help you differentiate between an emergency and a muscle or nerve problem.

The "Red Alert": Is It a Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)?

Before investigating orthopedic or neurological causes, we must address emergency signs. Cardiac-related arm pain often feels like it is "deep" rather than on the surface.

Stop reading and call 911 if your left arm pain is paired with:

• Chest Pressure (Angina): A feeling of fullness, squeezing, or "an elephant sitting on your chest." This sensation may last several minutes and can be accompanied by pain that radiates to the arms, neck, jaw, or back. It often occurs during physical activity or emotional stress and may be relieved by rest.

• Shortness of Breath: This refers to experiencing difficulty breathing, even while at rest. It can feel like you can't get enough air into your lungs, and may be accompanied by a feeling of tightness in the chest or rapid, shallow breathing. Persistent shortness of breath, especially if it occurs suddenly or is severe, can be a warning sign of a heart attack and should not be ignored.

• Radiating Pain: This refers to pain that doesn't stay in one spot but instead spreads to other areas of the body. In the case of a heart attack, the pain may move upward into the jaw, neck, or travel through to the back. This type of pain can also extend to the shoulders or arms, and is often described as pressure, squeezing, or discomfort rather than sharp pain.

• Systemic Symptoms: Sudden cold sweats, lightheadedness, or nausea are warning signs that may indicate a heart attack. These symptoms can appear unexpectedly and may be accompanied by other issues such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or discomfort in other areas of the upper body.

Heart Attack vs. Nerve/Injury: At-a-Glance

Symptom	Likely Heart-Related	Likely Nerve or Injury
Pain Quality	Heavy, squeezing, pressure	Sharp, burning, or dull ache
Movement	Does not change with movement	Worsens when moving the arm/neck
Touch	Not tender to the touch	Area is sore or tender when pressed
Numbness	Rare (usually just pain/pressure)	Frequent "pins and needles" sensation

Common Non-Cardiac Causes of Left Arm Pain

In our Central Florida clinics, we frequently treat left arm pain caused by physical strain, repetitive motion, or neurological compression.

1. Pinched Nerves (Cervical Radiculopathy)

Often, the problem isn't in your arm—it’s in your neck (cervical spine). If a nerve root in your upper spine is compressed, it can send "shooting" electrical pains or a "falling asleep" sensation down your left arm. We often see this in patients who have been in car accidents or spend long hours at a desk.

2. Rotator Cuff Injuries

If the pain is localized to the upper arm and shoulder and intensifies when you lift your arm over your head, you may have a tear or inflammation in the rotator cuff. This is common among our active seniors in New Smyrna Beach who enjoy golf or tennis.

3. Bursitis and Tendonitis

Repetitive motions, such as lifting, throwing, or performing the same arm movement over and over, can cause the bursa—small fluid-filled sacs that cushion your joints—to become inflamed. This inflammation leads to a dull, persistent ache in the affected arm. The pain is often more noticeable at night, especially if you lie on the affected side, and may be accompanied by swelling, tenderness, or a reduced range of motion in the shoulder or elbow.

4. Bone and Muscle Strain

From lifting heavy groceries to a weekend DIY project in the Florida heat, simple muscle strain is the most common culprit. If the muscle is tender to the touch or appears swollen, it is likely an orthopedic issue rather than a cardiac one.

When to Visit Volusia Medical Center

If your pain isn't an emergency but hasn't improved after 24–48 hours of rest, it’s time for a professional evaluation. We use a combination of physical exams and Internal Medicine diagnostics to find the source. Seek a consultation at our DeLand, New Smyrna Beach, or South Daytona offices if:

• The pain is persistent and prevents sleep.

• You notice visible swelling, redness, or heat in the arm.

• You experience a loss of strength or the inability to grip objects.

• The pain radiates from the neck down to the fingertips.

Don't live with the "what ifs." Whether you need Internal Medicine diagnostics to check your heart health or Integrative Medicine to treat a sports injury, our team of medical professionals at Volusia Medical Center is here to help. Contact us and schedule a consultation today!

Conclusion

Left arm pain is a symptom that demands respect and immediate attention. While the "worst-case scenario" of a cardiovascular event is often the first thing that comes to mind, understanding the nuances of your symptoms—such as whether the pain changes with movement or is accompanied by numbness—is key to finding the right treatment.

Whether your pain stems from a warning sign of a heart condition, a manageable nerve compression, or a sports-related injury, an accurate and timely diagnosis is the only way to ensure your long-term health and mobility. At Volusia Medical Center, our goal is to provide the residents of Volusia County with clear answers, advanced diagnostics, and compassionate care.

FAQs

1. Can anxiety cause left arm pain?

• Yes. During a panic attack, your muscles can tense significantly, and many people experience "referred pain" in their left arm. However, because anxiety and heart issues share similar symptoms, it is always safer to have a medical professional rule out cardiac causes first.

2. How can I tell if my arm pain is muscular?

• If the pain increases when you press directly on the muscle or when you move your arm in a specific direction, it is likely musculoskeletal. Cardiac pain typically does not change when you move the limb or touch the skin.

3. Does a pinched nerve cause numbness in the hand?

• Yes. A pinched nerve in the neck or shoulder often causes "paresthesia," which feels like tingling, "pins and needles," or a complete loss of sensation in specific fingers.

4. Why does my left arm pain get worse at night?

• When you lie down, blood flow changes, and the pressure on your joints and nerves shifts. Conditions like bursitis or rotator cuff tears are notorious for becoming more painful when the body is at rest, and the joint is compressed against a mattress.

5. What are the signs that arm pain is actually a pinched nerve?

• If your pain is accompanied by neck stiffness, "electric" shocks that travel down the arm, or weakness in your grip, it is likely a neurological issue originating in the cervical spine.