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What Causes Pain In The Shoulder Radiating To The Arm?

Posted on Wed, 1 Feb 2017

Question: I am a 51 yr old woman . I developed left shoulder pain that goes down my arm occasionally and feels like the bicep is squeezed sometimes. The right bicep also occasionally feels squeezed or kind of throbs and worsens when lying in bed. This started suddenly a week ago
. I also have neck and back issues with mild scoliosis and degenerative changes and arthritis. Also 6 weeks ago I was rear ended in a motor vehicle accident. After treating with anti inflammatories for a week after the accident I seemed ok.

Answered by Dr. Chander Mohan Singh (41 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Do simple cervical and shoulder exercises.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I have read your query.

Don't worry, you just add cervical spine exercise i.e flexion and extension and simple shoulder exercises. This should ease some discomfort.
In addition it is advisable to perform xray of cervical spine in AP and Lateral view and xray of shoulder koint in AP view. If you have had these X-ray, please upload it here.

Further I would also start you on pregabalin75mg+methylcobalamine750mcg at night for added benefits. You can discuss with your treating doctor.

Apply hot packs. Avoid weightlifting.

I hope it helps.

Thanks,

Dr.CHANDER XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Chander Mohan Singh (47 minutes later)

I'm concerned since it is my left shoulder and arm that the pain is not heart related. Do h think I should be concerned?

Answered by Dr. Chander Mohan Singh (53 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Get blood pressure, ECG done.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for the response.

I don't think that its related to heart. But still it would be wise to get your blood pressure checked on three successive days in morning evening and night, plus get ECG of heart done.

Since you haven't reported chest pain, palpitations, nausea, vomiting, then I don't feel concerned about heart disease.

I hope it help.

Thanks,

Dr.CHANDER XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Chander Mohan Singh (21 minutes later)

Thank you for your detailed answers.. I did have palpitations on Sat evening but thought it was because I have recently doubled my armour thyroid med from 30mg in the am to an additional 30 mg in the evening and that evening I did not eat a full dinner as I always do because I was snacking during the day.. When the palpitations happened I also felt slightly like I could faint so I quickly ate it it subsided.

I've had palpitations on/ off since my 20's which I checked with a cardiologist about 2 1/2 yrs ago . Just had a full physical 3-4 weeks ago and run blood pressure between 110-120 Over 70-80 consistently when I've been checked .

Answered by Dr. Chander Mohan Singh (46 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Must visit ER.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for the response.

If you have palpitations along with left arm pain, it would be wise to get it evaluated by a physician. EKG as well as blood pressure measurement is a must. If possible, I will recommend ER visit to get this sorted at the earliest.

I don't mean to press the panic button and I still feel you could have a healthy heart. But it is better to be on the safer side and get this checked.

Please don't ignore all this but for orthopedic point of view follow my medication and for heart point follow physician.

I hope it helps.

Dr.CHANDER XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad