Expert: Dr. Paul Newhart - 1/3/2009

Question
Several months ago I fell down a portion of our stairs. I suffered upper arm pain....painful to the touch...as I grabbed the railing to break my fall.  That pain has since gone away.  Recently, I have noticed that certain movements will cause a sharp pain that lasts about 10 seconds in this same area. Movements such as putting on a coat, reaching back, reaching way out to the side.  It does not hurt other than at those times.   The area is in my upper, outer, left arm approximately 3 - 4 inches below my shoulder.

Answer
I would suggest you see a chiropractor that also specializes in soft tissue injuries.  Trying to break your fall, you may have caused strain to the biceps, deltoid, and portions of the rotator cuff.  They would be able to assess and treat you, and rehab the injury.  They should also be able to determine if you have a need for medical intervention in the case of a more serious injury.