It’s a sensation familiar to many: you’re going about your day, maybe enjoying a good laugh or just walking down the street, when suddenly you sneeze and feel a sharp pain in your arms. What’s going on?
What causes arm pain when sneezing?
The answer to this question starts with a lesson in human anatomy. According to Dr. Mark G. Law, a neurosurgeon at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, sneezing can cause pain in the arms due to a phenomenon known as “referred pain.”
Referred pain occurs when pain is felt in an area of the body that is not where the actual problem is located. In the case of sneezing, the act of sneezing can cause sudden pressure and stress on the muscles and nerves in your chest, and this tension can be felt all the way down your arms and into your hands.
But why does this happen? “The chest has a lot of connections to the arms and shoulders, with nerves and muscles passing from one area to the other,” says Dr. Law. “So when you sneeze and create sudden tension in your chest, that tension can radiate along these connections and be felt in your arms as well.”
Another possible explanation is that sneezing can cause a temporary disruption in blood flow to the arms, leading to a brief, intense pain. However, this is less likely to be the root cause of arm pain when sneezing.
Is arm pain when sneezing normal?
While arm pain when sneezing is not a commonly discussed topic, it is actually quite common – so if you’ve experienced it yourself, you’re not alone. According to Dr. Law, many patients come to him with concerns about arm pain after sneezing, and it is generally not a cause for alarm.
That being said, if you experience frequent or severe pain when sneezing, or if the pain lingers long after the sneeze, it may be worth paying a visit to your doctor to rule out any underlying issues.
How can arm pain when sneezing be treated?
The good news for those who suffer from arm pain when sneezing is that, in most cases, it does not require any treatment beyond rest and patience. Your body will usually recover on its own, and the pain will subside within a few minutes.
However, if the pain is accompanied by other symptoms such as numbness or tingling, it may be a sign of a more serious issue such as a pinched nerve or herniated disc. In this case, your doctor may recommend physical therapy, medication, or more invasive procedures like surgery.
In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to ease the discomfort of arm pain when sneezing. Applying heat or cold to the affected area, taking over-the-counter pain relievers, and practicing good posture can all help to reduce pain and tension in the arms.
Ultimately, arm pain when sneezing may be an uncomfortable and surprising phenomenon, but it is generally not cause for concern. As Dr. Law puts it, “While it can be a strange and sometimes unpleasant experience, arm pain from sneezing is usually just a temporary inconvenience that will pass quickly on its own.”
“While it can be a strange and sometimes unpleasant experience, arm pain from sneezing is usually just a temporary inconvenience that will pass quickly on its own.” – Dr. Mark G. Law
Now Lets Address Some More Specific Concerns
Why Does My Chest and Arm Hurt When I Sneeze?
When you sneeze, your body experiences a sudden increase in pressure. This pressure can cause pain in various parts of your body, including your chest and arms. Sneezing can also cause your muscles to contract suddenly, which can cause strain or injury to the muscles in your chest and arms.
In addition to muscle strain, another possible cause of chest and arm pain when sneezing is a condition called costochondritis.
Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects your ribs to your sternum. This inflammation can cause pain in your chest and arms and can be exacerbated by sneezing or coughing.
If you are experiencing chest pain, it is important to seek medical attention to rule out any serious conditions, such as a heart attack.
What Does It Mean When You Sneeze and Your Shoulder Hurts?
If you experience shoulder pain when you sneeze, it could be caused by a variety of factors. One common cause of shoulder pain when sneezing is a rotator cuff injury. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, and these can become injured or strained from repetitive motions, such as sneezing.
Another possible cause of shoulder pain when sneezing is a condition called bursitis. Bursitis is an inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints in your body. This inflammation can cause pain and stiffness in your shoulder and can be exacerbated by sneezing or coughing.
If you are experiencing chronic or severe shoulder pain, it is important to seek medical attention to diagnose and treat any underlying conditions.
Why Does My Right Arm Hurt When I Cough?
If you experience arm pain when coughing, it could be caused by a few different factors. One possible cause is a pinched nerve in your neck or shoulder. A pinched nerve can cause pain and numbness in your arms and can be aggravated by coughing or other sudden movements.
Another possible cause of arm pain when coughing is a muscle strain or injury. Coughing can cause your muscles to contract suddenly, which can cause strain or injury to the muscles in your arm.
If you are experiencing chronic or severe arm pain, it is important to seek medical attention to diagnose and treat any underlying conditions.
Can Coughing Make Your Arms Hurt?
Yes, coughing can cause your arms to hurt. When you cough, your body experiences a sudden increase in pressure, which can cause pain in various parts of your body, including your arms. Additionally, coughing can cause your muscles to contract suddenly, which can cause strain or injury to the muscles in your arms.
How to Prevent Arm Pain from Sneezing
There are several things you can do to prevent or reduce arm pain from sneezing, including:
- Strengthening your chest and arm muscles through regular exercise
- Practicing good posture
- Avoiding sudden movements
- Using proper lifting techniques
- Taking frequent breaks to stretch and move around
If you are experiencing chronic or severe arm pain, it is important to seek medical attention to diagnose and treat any underlying conditions.
References
1. Costochondritis – Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/costochondritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20371175
2. Rotator cuff injury – Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rotator-cuff-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20350225
3. Bursitis – Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bursitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353242
4. Law, Mark G., MD, and O’Connor, T. Ian, MD. “Mechanism and Management of Arm Pain During Sneezing.” Neurology.org, Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc, 25 Oct. 2005, n.neurology.org/content/65/8/1292.
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