Why do my arms hurt when it's cold?

When I sneeze, my arms become weak and hurt.. Why?

• Years ago when I sneezed one arm became weak and hurt a little. Today though, when I sneeze, both arms go almost dead and hurt for about 5 minutes. I mean it is a bad pain. Why is this happening and is there anything I can do to prevent this? I have asked my doctor in the past and they never gave me a straight answer (which is probably why that are no longer my doctor).

• Answer:

  According to experts, arm pain after sneezing can be the result of a compressed or pinched nerve. Also, a sudden movement of the neck while sneezing may lead to pain in the arm. A dislocated vertebra or other spinal problems may also be the reasons behind arm pain after sneezing. For example, cervical radiculopathy, or a pinched nerve in the cervical spine can lead to pain in the arms while sneezing. Also, sneezing results in building up of pressure on the herniated disc, which affects the nerves that run down the arms, giving them a tingling feeling and pain. Weakness of the spine, compression of a spinal nerve, or neck and back injuries are some of the other causes of arm pain after sneezing. Rather, the weakness in the bones of the neck and back, manifests itself during involuntary reflexes like sneezing. It won't be wrong to say that symptoms of neck and back problems become more evident during actions like sneezing or coughing. Another cause could be strain in the muscles resulting from increased tension in the upper body while sneezing. The act of sneezing involves quite a bit of muscle activity, leading to building of tension in the muscles of the upper body. As the muscles try to contract in response to this tensing, they are strained. And this leads to pain in the shoulders and arms. One might experience pain in the arms while sneezing, especially when he/she is trying to stop the sneeze. Treatment The treatment depends on the factor causing it. Hence, inspection and right diagnosis of the reason is the first step towards treating it. Visit your doctor to know what's causing the pain. He might ask you questions like where the pain starts, to which points on the arms it radiates and how long it lasts. He may advise you to go for an X-ray of the spinal cord in order to detect a neck or back problem, if any. In case of severe pain, you may require to undergo an MRI scan. If a pinched nerve is the cause for arm pain while sneezing, pain management drugs or injections with the consultation of your doctor can help. You can go for physical therapy, acupuncture or other chiropractic treatments. In case of inflammation of the spinal cord or back injuries, anti-inflammatory medications and ice or heat therapy can be of help. Strained muscles need rest and the injured need to be healed. Light stretching exercises and muscle strengthening workouts can be of help in this case. Remember, exercises have to be supplemented with adequate rest. As already discussed, pain in the arms while sneezing can actually be the result of certain spinal problems. So treating them in the first place, is a sure way of getting rid of arm pain after sneezing. So, the next time you see someone experiencing pain in the arms while sneezing, don't just bless him and walk away. Share with him what you just read.