What Could Cause Left Arm Pain Without Any Chest Pain?

When you experience pain in your left arm without any accompanying chest pain, it can point to a non-cardiac cause. One possible reason, although uncommon, is thoracic outlet syndrome, particularly related to the pectoralis minor, where nerves or blood vessels get compressed as they travel from the neck into the arm. This compression can lead to pain, numbness, or tingling in the arm. Another common cause is cervical radiculopathy, which happens when a nerve in the neck becomes irritated or compressed, and the pain radiates down the shoulder and arm. Sometimes, nerve entrapment in the shoulder or upper arm may be responsible. These conditions are different from cardiac issues, which typically cause chest pain and may radiate into the arm, but usually come with additional symptoms. It is important to discuss these symptoms with your healthcare provider, who can perform a physical exam and possibly order imaging studies to determine the exact cause, so they can recommend the best treatment plan for you. It is also important to know that left arm pain without chest pain does not rule out a heart problem and you seek immediate medical evaluation.