Anxiety can appear with a range of physical symptoms. It presents chest tightening, queasiness, and pain across the various body parts. The reason for the first symptom is often phobia and disorientation.
Many people think that constant pain in the left arm is a sign of a heart attack. But it’s not always the case.
Now, we will explore the topic further to answer the question, “Can anxiety attack cause left arm to hurt?”
Feeling anxious or experiencing symptoms like arm pain? JCV Behavioral Health is here to help! We offer therapy, medication support, and simple ways to manage anxiety and its physical effects. Call us today!
How Does Anxiety Affect the Body?
Anxiety is a situation with irregular features. It happens when the body becomes overly active due to stress.
Increased adrenaline secretion is the reason behind the “fight or flight” response; this means more stress hormones are released, and when that happens, you feel anxious. It causes:
- Muscle tension
- Nerve sensitivity
- Changes in circulation
These factors lead to symptoms such as arm pain with anxiety.
Can Anxiety Attack Cause Left Arm to Hurt?
Yes, anxiety attacks can indeed cause left arm pain. It is because of tight muscles, air constriction, and other factors.
Anxiety and left arm aches are the most common cases that people report under pressure.
The pain can sometimes be distressing, but it is only short-term, and instead, it doesn’t show a harmful medical condition.
How Can Anxiety Cause Left Arm Pain?
There are several reasons why anxiety can cause left arm pain:
- Muscle Tension and Stress
When you feel anxious, your muscles often tighten. It is common in the shoulders, neck, and arms. It can occur over time, causing left arm pain from anxiety that is sore and maybe even uncomfortable.
- Poor Circulation
Anxiety attack activities can make breathing weaker and can even lead to changes in blood flow. That can be a causal reason for arm discomfort anxiety, and even sleep arm pain when you get up from sleep, or it can be arthritis and back pain.
- Hyperventilation and Nerve Sensitivity
Hyperventilation is a common sign of anxiety. It can produce a light-headed sensation and cause tingling in your hands and feet. It may also generate heightened anxiety-induced tingling and paresthesia effects.
- Increased Awareness of Sensations
When you’re anxious, you often concentrate on physical feelings more than expected. It makes everyday aches feel more intense, leading to left arm constant pain.
Can Anxiety Cause Weakness in One Arm?
Yes, anxiety can cause weakness in one arm. Anxiety can stimulate your body to escape from the situation and start breathing, sending blood to the muscles.
It can cause the muscles to get tense and feel weak. Threatening feelings can have an even greater impact on your breathing and can cause a reduction in blood flow.
As a result, your arms or legs may feel numb or weak. On occasion, the concern over these sensations might make them more severe.
This weakness is temporary and does not pose any danger to your body. If this happened many times, it always felt severe and lasted longer; it would be sensible to visit a doctor in case of other health problems.
Is It Anxiety or a Heart Attack?
One of the largest concerns when individuals feel left arm pain, but not chest pain, is the prospect of a heart attack being the cause.
However, it’s always the safest course of action to consult a physician if you are uncertain, but here are some of the most essential differences:
| Symptom | Anxiety Attack | Heart Attack |
| Pain location | Moves around affect both arms | Usually in the left arm, radiating from the chest |
| Pain type | Sharp, burning, tingling, or tight | Heavy, crushing, or squeezing |
| Duration | Comes and goes | Lasts longer, and doesn’t improve with rest |
| Other symptoms | Hyperventilation, dizziness, nausea, tingling | Shortness of breath, sweating, chest pressure |
If your arm is severely impacted by the pain, especially with chest pain or dizziness, seek immediate medical assistance.
What Does Anxiety Arm Pain Feel Like?
Anxiety-linked arm ache differs for each person, but it often feels like:
- Aching or Soreness: A constant dull pain, such as that of a pulled muscle, which is spreading constantly.
- Tingling or Numbness: A tingle and crunch sensation, generally felt in the left arm, which can be mistaken for a heart problem.
- Sharp or Shooting Pains: Fast and acute pain with the characteristic of appearance and disappearance.
- Tension and Tightness: A vague muscle ache or pressure, particularly between the shoulder and upper arm regions.
- Burning or Electric Shock-like Sensations: Some people feel a warm or prickly sensation.
How to Get Rid of Left Arm Pain from Anxiety?
If anxiety and left arm pain are an obstacle to your everyday life, try these methods:
- Practicing Deep Breathing
A controlled breathing technique serves to lower stress hormones and additionally reduce muscle tension. You can start with a simple technique as follows:
- Breathe in for 4 seconds
- Hold your breath for 4 seconds
- Then breathe out for 4 seconds
- Exercise and Stretching
Regular physical activities help reduce muscle tension and improve blood flow. A light stretch can relieve arm pain with anxiety.
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation
One relaxation technique is tensing and releasing different parts of the body that may help relieve anxiety-related left arm constant pain.
- Massage and Heat Therapy
Soft massage or hot applications are among the remedies that lower the pain symptoms in the left arm.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Therapy is one of the main methods used to determine the reasons for the ailment and reduce the pain in the left arm when you are fretting.
- Promoting Sleep Hygiene
Sleep deficiency is a contributor to stress and muscle tightness. Start to follow a bedtime routine to avoid arm pain during sleep hours.
Final Thought
So, can anxiety attack cause left arm to hurt? Of course, it can. Anxiety and arm pain are closely connected due to how your body reacts to stress.
Recognizing the link between anxiety and left arm aches can help you reduce both. When you take down your anxiety, you may also reduce your arm’s trouble.
Remember, when in doubt about the cause of your pain, or if it’s severe, it’s always best to consult a doctor.
FAQs
Why do my arms randomly hurt?
Anxiety can cause random arm pain as a result of muscle tension and nerve sensitivity. Others might feel, moreover, anxiety and numbness in the left arm, which can be scary.
Can stress cause pain in left arm?
Yes, stress brings muscle tension, which the shoulders, neck, and arms afflict. But, chronic left arm pain from anxiety is another effect if stress remains.
