Arm pain after sneezing is usually caused by muscle strain or nerve compression. In some cases, it can be exacerbated by an underlying condition.
Mild arm pain is normal, but if it lasts for a long time or is very bad after sneezing, you should see a doctor. Also you can take steps to prevent this pain. Good posture and chiropractic care can help manage and reduce arm pain caused by sneezing.
For this reason, I am here to explain why arm hurts after sneezing, so you’ll know the causes, and relief options.
Why Does Sneezing Hurt My Arm?
Sneezing is your body’s way of clearing out irritants from your nasal passages. But this natural reflex comes with powerful muscle contractions that can be uncomfortable.
The contraction of your abdominal, chest and diaphragm muscles sends a surge of pressure throughout your body.
So when you sneeze the rapid change in pressure can pinch the nerves that run from your neck down to your arm and cause pain. Plus if you have existing injuries or conditions like arthritis, sneezing can make it worse. Spinal pressure also comes into play and affects the nerve pathways to your arm.
As you can see the complex muscle contractions during a sneeze can directly or indirectly cause arm pain if there’s misalignment or strain involved.
Common Causes of Arm Pain After Sneezing
Sneezing can cause arm pain due to underlying health issues. When the nerves in your neck get compressed it can send sharp pain down your arm. Plus increased spinal pressure can make it worse through referred sensations.
Common culprits include:
- Nerve compression
- Muscle strain
- Displaced intervertebral discs
- Fractures compressing vertebral bones
Pinched Nerves
A pinched nerve can cause sharp pain or tingling in your arm. When you sneeze hard it can further compress these nerves and make the pain worse.
So you need to address this ASAP to prevent ongoing discomfort.
Muscle Strain
A hard sneeze can make a minor muscle strain worse and pain will follow shortly after. The sudden contraction of the muscles can turn a small strain into a big issue.
Herniated Discs
A bulging herniated disc in your cervical spine can compress the nearby nerves and cause dysfunction in your neck and arm. When you sneeze the sudden pressure on a herniated disc can make the radiating pain in your arm worse.
For those with this condition sneezing can feel like a trigger for more pain.
Vertebral Compression Fracture
A vertebral compression fracture (VCF) is when part of a vertebra collapses. People with osteoporosis are more prone to this and even a sneeze can cause severe pain that requires medical attention.
Is It Normal for My Arm to Hurt When I Sneeze?
Mild arm pain during a sneeze is normal due to your body’s reaction to the force. But if you’re experiencing severe pain while sneezing you should see a doctor.
The intensity and location of the pain will tell you if it’s something to worry about.
If other symptoms are present with your sneezing pain, see an ENT specialist.
Serious Symptoms
Continuous pain, loss of sensation and muscle weakness after sneezing are red flags that need medical attention. Pain that radiates from your shoulder down to your lower arm or from the base of your neck to your fingers shouldn’t be ignored.
If you get a sudden headache while sneezing see a doctor immediately. Swelling with arm pain also needs attention.
How to Prevent Arm Pain During Sneezing
To minimize pain when sneezing stand up straight and don’t slouch. Leaning forward and putting your hands on a stable surface can take pressure off your spine. Letting sneezes happen naturally rather than holding them in can also prevent body tension.
Here are some tips to avoid arm pain while sneezing:
- Stand up straight
- Lean onto a stable surface
- Don’t hold your sneeze
Shoulder pain during sneezing can be due to sudden stretching that strains the shoulder muscles or worsens existing conditions. Follow these tips to reduce the risk of arm and shoulder pain.
Managing and Treating Arm Pain
Relief from arm pain depends on finding and fixing the underlying cause which could be a misaligned spine. The first step usually involves chiropractic adjustments or physical therapy.
Treatment may include:
- Chiropractic Care
- Physical Therapy
- Heat Therapy
Get professional advice to get a proper diagnosis and guidance on what treatment to do.
Physical Therapy
Finding the underlying cause of your arm pain is key to management. A customized treatment plan with specific exercises can relieve pain and improve your arm function.
Regular physical therapy strengthens muscles, increases flexibility and reduces pain which is good not only for immediate relief but also for future prevention.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care can relieve arm pain from sneezing. By addressing spinal alignment and relieving pressure on the nerves, regular chiropractic sessions can reduce discomfort.
This approach manages current pain and also prevents future episodes.
Heat Therapy
Heat therapy is a simple and effective way to relieve pain and loosen tight muscles. Applying heat can relax tension in sore muscles from sneezing and improve circulation.
Warm compresses or a hot bath can be good for muscle strain and stiffness.
When to See a Doctor
If your arm pain persists or gets worse with sneezing see a doctor to rule out underlying conditions. If pain continues or gets worse don’t hesitate to see a healthcare provider.
Sneezing can trigger thoracic outlet syndrome symptoms and cause pain to radiate from your arm to your neck or chest. If you experience worsening of these symptoms see a doctor now.
Final Thoughts
With all of this in mind, arm pain from sneezing can be due to pinched nerves, muscle strain, herniated discs and vertebral compression fractures. It’s normal to feel mild arm pain when you sneeze, but if it happens often or feels intense, you should check in with a healthcare provider.