- Female
- 23 Years
- 22/01/2025
Can you explain how to tell the difference between left arm pain caused by cervical issues and pain that's related to heart problems? I'm experiencing this dull, minor pain in my left arm that comes and goes, but I don't have any other symptoms like chest pain or lightheadedness. Could you give me some insight on this?
Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors
This type of pain may be accompanied by neck pain or stiffness. To manage this, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Additionally, you can apply a topical pain relief cream like Voltaren Gel on the affected area. If the pain persists, consult a doctor for further evaluation. Left arm pain due to heart issues, on the other hand, is often a symptom of a heart attack or angina. Since you mentioned no chest pain or lightheadedness, it is less likely to be related to the heart. However, if you have concerns about your heart health, you can take a low dose of aspirin (81mg) as a precaution and seek medical attention immediately if the pain worsens or is accompanied by other symptoms like chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or nausea.
Dr. Ranjith Suggests...
Consult a Cardiologist
Answered 04/07/2025
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Understanding Left Arm Pain Causes
- Left arm pain can arise from cervical spine issues or heart-related problems. Cervical issues often involve nerve compression, while heart-related pain may indicate angina or a heart attack.
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Characteristics of Cervical (Neck) Related Arm Pain
- Typically presents as dull, intermittent pain. It may worsen with neck movement and can be accompanied by numbness or tingling. Chest symptoms are usually absent.
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Characteristics of Heart-Related Arm Pain
- Often more constant and severe, accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, or lightheadedness. These symptoms suggest a need for urgent evaluation.
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When to Seek Medical Attention
- Seek immediate care if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or persistent arm pain.
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Recommended Next Steps
- Consult a healthcare provider for evaluation. This may include a physical exam, imaging, or heart tests.
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Relevant Medical Specialties
- Consider seeing a neurologist or orthopedist for cervical issues and a cardiologist for heart concerns.
Recommended next steps
Consult a Neurologist or Consult a Orthopaedician
Answered 20/08/2025
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Can you have a look at this EKG for me? I've been having a really tough time with chest discomfort that spreads to my left arm, back, and abdomen. Went to the ER and they did an EKG; the heart doctor said it was normal. They sent me home with meds for acidity and anxiety, but Im feeling even worse now, like it might be a heart attack. So I went to another hospital where they did another ECG, but no cardiologist checked it. Im having body shivers and tremors but no chills. My stomach's also upset, with loose motions a lot because of IBS and GERD, and I ate chocolates today which are the worst for GERD. Should I get a troponin test done? Its really expensivecan I skip it? Any advice would be helpful.
Based on your symptoms and medical history, it is important to rule out a heart attack as a cause of your chest discomfort. Given the persistent symptoms and the radiating pain to your left arm, back, and abdomen, along with the shivering and tremors, it would be advisable to go ahead with the Troponin test to assess for any cardiac damage. This test can help determine if there has been any injury to the heart muscles. It is a crucial test in cases of suspected heart attack. In the meantime, continue taking the acidity and anxiety medications prescribed to you. Additionally, avoid trigger foods like chocolates that can exacerbate your GERD symptoms. If the symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention promptly
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See a specialist for accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment.
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Disclaimer: Answers on Apollo 247 are not intended to replace your doctor advice. Always seek help of a professional doctor in case of an medical emergency or ailment.