When people have upper arm pain, they experience a discomfort in the top part of the arm, including the shoulder and rotator cuff. There are many different upper arm pain causes, and not all of them require any medical attention. Let's take a look at some of the common and not so common causes.

1. Rotator Cuff Injuries

One of the most common upper arm pain causes is the rotator cuff injury. There are different types of injuries within this category, however. These include bursitis, tendinitis, strains, and tears. Medical attention is required if the pain does not subside within a few days using over the counter remedies.

2. Arthritis

Around 100 different forms of arthritis exist. Progressive and often very painful, this may require medical attention to help manage the symptoms.

3. Radiculopathy

This is a disease that affects the roots of the spinal nerve. People often experience weakness, numbness, and pain, which radiates from the spinal column. Treatment is required.

4. Heart Attacks

Perhaps the most famous of the upper arm pain causes, a heart attack is a medical emergency. Immediate and urgent medical attention must be sought, particularly if the affected person's skin starts to have a gray or blue tinge, he or she is short of breath, or has chest pain.

5. Whiplash

A whiplash happens in the neck, caused by a sudden backward or forward movement of the head with a lot of force. This generally happens during car accidents. Usually, it can be treated with over the counter medicines.

6. Shoulder dislocation

This happens when the joint of the shoulder slips out of its socket. This is a medical emergency and must be treated immediately.

7. Fibromyalgia

This is a chronic condition whereby the joints and muscles become tender and inflamed. Medication is required.

8. Frozen shoulder

A frozen shoulder stops the shoulder from experiencing its normal range of motions. Usually, this does resolve by itself, but it is best to seek some medical attention.

9. Strains and Sprains

These happen as a result of overexerting yourself during physical activity. Depending on the incident, these can be mild to severe. Usually, no medical attention is required.

10. Cervical Spondylosis

This is a form of osteoarthritis that affects the neck. It happens as a process of aging, affecting the discs and joints in the neck, radiating to the upper arm. Some medical treatment is usually required.

11. Fracture

It is possible to break the bone in the upper arm, although this is quite rare. Fractures are medical emergencies, and treatment should be sought immediately.

12. Rickets

Rickets is a condition that was common during the industrial revolution. It is making a comeback now that many people do not get enough sun exposure. Caused by a vitamin D deficiency, it can easily be treated with vitamin supplements, although you should discuss this with a physician.

13. Osteoporosis

This is a disease of the bone that is caused by loss of calcium. The resulting effect is that the bones become less dense and weaker. Usually, the condition goes by unnoticed until a fracture occurs.

14. Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)

PVD is a disorder of the circulation, affecting vessels outside the brain and heart. Usually, these vessels supply the legs and arms, resulting in pain. Medical treatment is required.

15. Bursitis

Bursitis happens when the bursae, the sacs of fluid around the joints, become inflamed or start to malfunction. This causes pain during movement. Usually, over the counter remedies can help.

16. Tendinitis

This happens when the tendons in the upper arm become inflamed or irritated. The pain is often acute, making it almost impossible to move the arm. Medical attention should be sought.

17. Neuralgia

This is caused when a nerve is damaged, and it can happen anywhere in the body, including the upper arm. Medical attention is required.

18. Tenosynovitis

This condition happens when the tendon sheath becomes inflamed. Pain killers are usually required.

19. Mononeuropathy

This condition is caused when there is damage to a single nerve group or nerve. As a result, only one part of the body, which can be the upper arm, is affected. Medical attention is required.

20. Lymphedema

Lymphedema happens when the lymph nodes become obstructed. Most of the time, this is a chronic condition. Medical treatment for the swelling will generally be required for the rest of the patient's life.