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What Causes Unilateral Thoracic Back Pain Radiating To The Shoulder And Arm?

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Posted on Wed, 7 Dec 2016
Question: very sharp pain in thoracic vertebrae, left side only, radiating down shoulder, back arm. Already taking 15 mg morphine ER 3X /day and 15 mg morphine 4x/day, but still intense pain. Is this a pinched nerve? There has been no traumatic injury. Pain starts in specific spot
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Could be pinched nerve / cervical spondylosis

Detailed Answer:

Hi I am Dr Gopal Goel Orthopedic Surgeon.
You have pain (L) side of vertebrae from shoulder downwards and back of arm.
In my opinion the pain is due to muscle spasm which could be due to a pinched nerve in neck or chest ( very difficult to pin point ).
I suggest you start painkillers with muscle relaxants and pregabalin, and physiotherapy .
If you don't start getting relief in 10 days , get x ray of the neck .
I hope I have answered your question . Please feel free to ask any further query.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Gopal (10 hours later)
Thank you. I have been taking morphine and a muscle relaxant for weeks. I have contacted the Laser Spine Institute for an appointment and MRI.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
You're welcome

Detailed Answer:
Hi, Yes please go ahead with it

You're welcome
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Gopal

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1983

Answered : 1532 Questions

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What Causes Unilateral Thoracic Back Pain Radiating To The Shoulder And Arm?

Brief Answer: Could be pinched nerve / cervical spondylosis Detailed Answer: Hi I am Dr Gopal Goel Orthopedic Surgeon. You have pain (L) side of vertebrae from shoulder downwards and back of arm. In my opinion the pain is due to muscle spasm which could be due to a pinched nerve in neck or chest ( very difficult to pin point ). I suggest you start painkillers with muscle relaxants and pregabalin, and physiotherapy . If you don't start getting relief in 10 days , get x ray of the neck . I hope I have answered your question . Please feel free to ask any further query.