Can Gas Cause Left Arm Pain? Truth Uncovered

Are you experiencing unexpected left arm pain? It is alarming that it is often linked to heart issues. But, can gas cause left arm pain? Understanding the link between gas and nerve irritation in the arm can help determine if the pain is harmless or a warning symptom of something severe. This blog will answer your question! Read on!

Can Gas Cause Left Arm Pain?

Yes, it can! Gas can get trapped, particularly in the upper part of the abdomen. It can last for a few minutes or hours and induce heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest that causes chest pain. This pain can radiate to other areas such as the left arm, jaw, neck, and back as the tissues and nerves of these body parts are close to the chest. The pain associated with gas can mimic the symptoms of a heart attack.

So, the best advice is to seek medical attention and understand the difference between gas pain and heart-related pain.

Difference Between Gas Pain and Heart Issues-Related Pain

How Does Gas Lead to Left Arm Pain?

This is how gas can lead to left arm pain:

• Nerve Irritation: Gas accumulation can put a strain on the diaphragm, which shares nerves with the arms and shoulders, leading to referred pain.

• Trapping of the Gas in the Chest Area: Gas becomes trapped in the upper part of the digestive tract, causing discomfort that radiates to the chest and left arm.

• Acid Reflux or Heartburn: Excessive gas and stomach acid can cause pain and discomfort in the chest that sometimes reaches the left arm.

How Does Gas-Induced Chest Pain Feel Like?

Common symptoms related to gas-induced chest pain are:

• Pressure or fullness in the right or left side of the chest

• Sharp or stabbing pain in the upper abdomen and chest.

• Swelling or bloating in the abdomen.

• Burning sensation in the chest

• fluttering sensation in the chest

• Intermittent discomfort

• Involuntary or voluntary belching (burping) or farting

Potential Symptoms of Gas or Gas Pain

Potential gas buildup symptoms include:

• Burping

• Passing gas

• Pain or pressure in the chest

• Pain or discomfort in areas of the upper body, including the back, neck, shoulder, or left arm pain in gas

• Headache

• Vomiting

• Cramps, or a twisted (tight) feeling in your abdomen

• A feeling of fullness or pressure in your abdomen 

• An observable increase in the size of your abdomen (distention)

• Weakness or tiredness

• Shortness of breath

• Constipation

If you notice any of these symptoms, consult the doctor for proper treatment.

When to Be Concerned?

Though, sometimes, gas can lead to left arm pain, it is important to differentiate the gas pain from more severe health issues such as heart attacks. So, consult a doctor if you experience these symptoms as they might indicate heart attack signs:

• Chest pain or tightness

• Shortness of breath

• Sweating without explanation

• Dizziness

• Nausea

How to Relieve Gas-Related Pain?

Here's a detailed breakdown of approaches to relieve gas-related pain:

Immediate Relief:

• Move Around: Walk or practice light stretching to release trapped gas from the digestive system. 

• Drink Warm Liquids: Have warm water or herbal teas such as chamomile, ginger, and peppermint tea to ease digestion and relieve bloating and gas pain.

• Apply Heat: Apply a warm compress on your abdominal area to relax muscles and relieve trapped gas which helps ease pain.

• Burp or Pass Gas: Allow gas to pass through farting or burping to get immediate relief.

• Try Massage: Massage your abdomen gently to stimulate gas movement. 

• Practice Yoga Poses: Practice wind-relieving pose (Pawanmuktasana) to release trapped gas.

• Take Over-the-counter Medications: Research reports that medicine like Simethicone helps ease discomfort caused by excessive gas in the digestive tract.

Long-Term Strategies:

Dietary Changes:

• Identify & Avoid Triggering Foods: Certain types of foods like spicy foods, carbonated beverages, fatty foods, caffeine, citrus fruits, and alcohol can cause gas, so avoid them completely. 

• Eat in Smaller Portions: Consume smaller and more frequent meals to prevent gas from building up in the stomach. 

• Eat Slowly & Chew Thoroughly: These dietary habits can ease digestion and lower the risk of swallowing air that leads to bloating and gas issues. 

• Avoid Drinking with a Straw & Chewing Gum: These habits can contribute to swallowing excessive air. 

Lifestyle Changes:

• Exercise Regularly: Practice physical activities or exercises regularly to move trapped gas out of the digestive system. 

• Stay Hydrated: Drinking a lot of water or fluids to support digestion and relieve constipation, which can increase gas. 

• Manage Stress: Engage in meditation, yoga, and deep breathing to reduce stress as it causes digestive issues like gas. 

• Quit Smoking: Smoking can make acid reflux more worse and cause gas-related chest pain, so quit this habit. 

Natural Remedies To Relieve Gas-Related Pain

The following are some home remedies you can try to relieve gas pain:

• Apple Cider Vinegar: Use apple cider vinegar by diluting it in water and having it before meals to relieve gas.

• Peppermint: Have peppermint tea or supplements as they can reduce gas and bloating. Just boil peppermint leaves in water for about 5-10 minutes and drink it in between meals.

• Ginger Tea: A study reports that the carminative effect of ginger aids in breaking up and expelling intestinal gas.

• Fennel Seeds: The potent compounds in fennel seeds help promote digestion and relieve gas and bloating. 

• Activated Charcoal Supplements: Activated charcoal can absorb excessive trapped gas and prevent bloating and pain. Take the supplement as recommended on the packaging and have it before or after meals.

• Lemon water: Helps stimulate digestion, alleviate inflammation, and reduce the accumulated gas in the digestive tract which helps prevent gas-related pain.

Tips To Reduce Future Gas Attacks

Consider these tips to prevent future gas attacks:

• Eat Slowly: Chewing your food thoroughly and slowly to avoid swallowing excessive air.

• Limit Gas-Forming Foods: Reduce the use of Brussels sprouts, beans, cabbage, broccoli, garlic, carbonated beverages, and dairy products (if lactose intolerant) as they cause gas.

• Stay Hydrated: Drinking a lot of water and fluids to promote digestive health and prevent issues like gas and bloating.

• Exercise Regularly: Physical activity helps with the smooth running of your digestive system and prevents gas buildup.

• Minimize Swallowing the Air: You can do it by avoiding chewing gums and using straws while drinking, quitting smoking, and not talking while eating to prevent swallowing excess air that causes gas.

• Identify Food Intolerances: Know and avoid those foods that trigger gas and bloating.

• Review your Medications: Discuss your all medications with a doctor to know whether they might be causing gas.

What Dr. Hafeez Merani Says?

Dr. Hafeez Merani, an experienced Burnaby chiropractor, emphasizes the importance of considering musculoskeletal factors in cases of referred pain, such as left arm pain due to gas.

• According to Dr. Merani, while gas and digestive issues can indeed cause referred pain in areas like the left arm, it's crucial to also assess the musculoskeletal system. This is because the spine and surrounding structures can also contribute to such pain patterns.

• Misalignments or dysfunctions in the thoracic spine, for instance, can mimic or exacerbate symptoms of gas-related pain.

• Dr. Merani also suggests that individuals experiencing such symptoms should consider consulting with a chiropractor for a thorough evaluation.

• A chiropractic adjustment or other therapeutic interventions could provide relief not only by improving spinal alignment but also by enhancing overall nerve function, which can positively impact digestive health.

Final Thoughts

So, can gas cause left arm pain? Yes, trapped gas can contribute to discomfort like chest pain which can radiate to other areas like the left arm, causing pain. Sometimes, this pain can also mimic the symptoms of a heart attack, so, always keep an eye on symptoms of gas pain and heart-related pain to prevent further issues. If you notice any symptoms seek medical help for proper diagnosis and treatment. Also, for immediate relief, you can drink a warm liquid, move around, massage, apply heat, and so on. Also, you can have OTC medications like simethicone for quick relief.

Read Also: 4 Acupressure Points For Gas & Bloating That You Didn't Know About