Pressure may cause the nerves of the left arm and neck to become inflamed. Nerve compression may be related to degenerative processes or may occur due to a new injury. Whatever the cause, the pain can cause difficulties in movement as well as discomfort. The first step to relieving the neck and left arm pain starts with seeing a doctor for an evaluation of the pain, FamilyDoctor.org recommends.
Step 1
Follow the recommendations your doctor has prescribed for you after you receive an evaluation. In general, the most important thing you can do for your neck and back pain is to rest, Rest helps to calm the body and allows time for it to heal. The doctor may not allow you to work or perform any activities that will involve lifting or becoming stressed, according to MedlinePlus, a publication of the National Institutes of Health.
Step 2
Take your medicines. While you rest, you will need to take the pain medication and muscle relaxants your doctor has prescribed for you. Keep them at the beside along with water so you have them available to take. Taking your medications on a regular basis as prescribed will help you to feel better and to have less pain, FamilyDoctor.org states.
Step 3
Use hot and cold packs, alternating them to the neck and left arm. This will help decrease the pain and cause an analgesic affect to occur. You will feel more comfortable when you start this process, MedlinePlus indicates.
Step 4
Participate in physical therapy. The doctor also may prescribe physical therapy for a couple of weeks to help loosen muscles in the arm and neck, and to strengthen the needed muscles to support your back and neck. Using hot and cold packs during therapy may help reduce pain, MedlinePlus indicates.
Step 5
Call the doctor if you have any questions or the pain becomes worse even with physical therapy. Increased pain in the arm or neck may indicate of a new injury may have occurred. Keeping you doctor up to date on your progress helps her tailor your treatment to your needs.
Things You'll Need
- Medical evaluation
- Pain medication
- Muscle relaxants
- Warm and cold packs
- Rest and relaxation
- Physical therapy
