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I Had Sudden Onset Of Piercing Pain In My Right
Question: I had sudden onset of piercing pain in my right shoulder. It feels like it is coming from the top of the outside part of my shoulder from the bone. My arm below my shoulder aches. I have full range of motion. It relieves it some if I lie with my arm above my head. I can’t think of any way I injured it. It started suddenly when I woke up this morning. I have taken aspirin and Tylenol but neither gives relief for long. What could cause this type of pain?
Brief Answer:
Possibly due to muscle spasm or nerve impingement
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for using the Ask a Doctor service.
The shoulders get their range of motion from the rotator cuff which is made up of four tendons which in turn connect to the adjoining muscles. Spasm of these muscles due to any cause could cause the piercing pain without affecting the range of motion. This could also happen due to impingement of some nerve though it is less likely. It is hard to comment further without a thorough clinical examination. Hot compress can provide some relief but unless the underlying cause is taken care of, the pain medication will only have a temporary effect.
Feel free to write back.
Regards
Possibly due to muscle spasm or nerve impingement
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for using the Ask a Doctor service.
The shoulders get their range of motion from the rotator cuff which is made up of four tendons which in turn connect to the adjoining muscles. Spasm of these muscles due to any cause could cause the piercing pain without affecting the range of motion. This could also happen due to impingement of some nerve though it is less likely. It is hard to comment further without a thorough clinical examination. Hot compress can provide some relief but unless the underlying cause is taken care of, the pain medication will only have a temporary effect.
Feel free to write back.
Regards
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
Answered by
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