Chronic arm pain can be caused by numerous conditions. According to the Mayo Clinic website, arm pain can manifest anywhere between the shoulder and the wrist. Arm pain ranges from mild to severe, and it can be caused by acute or chronic injuries or conditions. Chronic arm pain can originate from a structure within the arm---such as a bone, muscle, nerve, ligament or tendon---or it can be caused by structures in the neck, shoulder or wrist.
Elbow Bursitis
Elbow bursitis can cause chronic arm pain. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, elbow bursitis, also known as olecranon bursitis, occurs when the elbow bursa---a fluid-filled sac located between the bones of the elbow and the skin overlying them---becomes inflamed or irritated. Under normal conditions, the elbow bursa helps reduce friction between the skin and the underlying bones in the elbow. There are many possible causes of elbow bursitis, including elbow trauma, leaning on the elbow for an extended period, infection of the elbow bursa, and medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout.
Common signs and symptoms associated with elbow bursitis include the following: pain and stiffness in the elbow, pain with elbow flexion and extension active range of motion, swelling in the back of the elbow, an elbow that appears red, and an elbow that is warm to the touch.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Thoracic outlet syndrome can cause chronic arm pain. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke states that thoracic outlet syndrome is caused by compression of the brachial plexus---a network of nerves located between the neck and the armpit---or the subclavian artery and vein as they pass through the thoracic outlet. The thoracic outlet is the area between the rib cage and the clavicle or collarbone. Compression of nerves and blood vessels in this area may be caused by an extra rib, also known as a cervical rib, or a tight fibrous band linking a spinal bone or vertebra to the ribs.
Common signs and symptoms associated with thoracic outlet syndrome include the following: pain; numbness and tingling in the hand, forearm, shoulder and neck on the affected side; poor upper extremity circulation; and hand muscle weakness.
Cervical Herniated Disc
A cervical herniated disc can cause chronic arm pain. According to the Chicago Institute of Neurosurgery and Neuroresearch, or CINN, cervical disc herniations occur when a portion of an intervertebral spinal disc in the neck protrudes into the space or hole where nerve roots---spinal cord offshoots---exit the spinal column. The disc material can compress the nerve root, causing pain and abnormal sensations in the neck, shoulder, arm and hand. In some cases, the nerve root compression may cause upper extremity muscle weakness on the affected side. Most disc herniations occur in one side of the spine.
CINN states that possible signs and symptoms associated with a cervical disc herniation include the following: neck pain that radiates down the arm, pins and needles sensations in the arm and hand, reduced grip strength, and relief of symptoms when the head is turned away from the painful side.
