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Suggest Remedy For Neck And Shoulder Pain
Question: when I go to the "symptom checker" and click on the neck/shoulder area (rear view) and check "pain or discomfort" a message pops up that says "If you are experiencing pain in your neck please seek prompt medical attention". Is this a mistake ? It doesn't say what the possible condition(s) are
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
I understand your concern and would explain that Dr. Internet is not always the best doctor.
The information on the internet is very wide, and not based on individual characteristics.
You should know that not every neck pain or discomfort are medical emergency, especially when it is chronic pain and modulated by body movements.
Neck and shoulder pain could be related to different disorders:
-chronic backbone disease. Chronic degeneration of the spinal column, could cause muscular spasms and local pain, as well as nerve compression, leading to irradiating pain in the shoulder or arm.
-musculoskeletal pain is commonly modulated by respiration or body movements. Inflammation of the muscles, soft tissues could cause neck pain.
-inflammation of the brachial plexus could be related to shoulder and arm pain and inability to move appropriately the arm and shoulder. The pain could irradiate into the neck.
-coronary artery disease can cause chest discomfort with pain irradiating into the neck and left arm.
-esophagitis could be related to chest discomfort and pain irradiating in both shoulders.
-an aortic aneurysm, could also be relate do chest and neck discomfort.
What is your pain like : sharp or dull?
How long does it last?
Could you precise the location?
Is it modulated by respiration or body movements?
I would like to have some more information on your symptoms, in order to give a more professional opinion on the possible underlying cause.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Best regards!
Dr. Iliri
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
I understand your concern and would explain that Dr. Internet is not always the best doctor.
The information on the internet is very wide, and not based on individual characteristics.
You should know that not every neck pain or discomfort are medical emergency, especially when it is chronic pain and modulated by body movements.
Neck and shoulder pain could be related to different disorders:
-chronic backbone disease. Chronic degeneration of the spinal column, could cause muscular spasms and local pain, as well as nerve compression, leading to irradiating pain in the shoulder or arm.
-musculoskeletal pain is commonly modulated by respiration or body movements. Inflammation of the muscles, soft tissues could cause neck pain.
-inflammation of the brachial plexus could be related to shoulder and arm pain and inability to move appropriately the arm and shoulder. The pain could irradiate into the neck.
-coronary artery disease can cause chest discomfort with pain irradiating into the neck and left arm.
-esophagitis could be related to chest discomfort and pain irradiating in both shoulders.
-an aortic aneurysm, could also be relate do chest and neck discomfort.
What is your pain like : sharp or dull?
How long does it last?
Could you precise the location?
Is it modulated by respiration or body movements?
I would like to have some more information on your symptoms, in order to give a more professional opinion on the possible underlying cause.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Best regards!
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
thanks...
What is your pain like : sharp or dull?
more sharp than dull
How long does it last?
not long - I feel it when I move but once I get moving it goes away
Could you precise the location?
halfway between my shoulder blade and neck from the top partway (a
few inches) down my back
Is it modulated by respiration or body movements?
no for respiration, yes - if I twist my head counterclockwise I feel it
but not if I twist my head clockwise. don't feel it if I'm sitting but do
feel it when I get up and then it goes away
What is your pain like : sharp or dull?
more sharp than dull
How long does it last?
not long - I feel it when I move but once I get moving it goes away
Could you precise the location?
halfway between my shoulder blade and neck from the top partway (a
few inches) down my back
Is it modulated by respiration or body movements?
no for respiration, yes - if I twist my head counterclockwise I feel it
but not if I twist my head clockwise. don't feel it if I'm sitting but do
feel it when I get up and then it goes away
Brief Answer:
Your symptoms are related to musculoskeletal pain.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Thank you for the additional information provided!
Your symptoms seem to be related to a musculo skeletal disorder.
So relax! There is nothing to worry about!
And for sure you don't need to go to the ER!
I recommend taking some painkillers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
If your symptoms persist, I recommend consulting with your attending physician for a careful physical examination and some tests:
-chest X ray study and backbone X ray study
-blood lab tests (complete blood count, PCR, sedimentation rate for inflammation).
You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues.
Hope to have been helpful!
Kind regards!
Dr. Iliri
Your symptoms are related to musculoskeletal pain.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Thank you for the additional information provided!
Your symptoms seem to be related to a musculo skeletal disorder.
So relax! There is nothing to worry about!
And for sure you don't need to go to the ER!
I recommend taking some painkillers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
If your symptoms persist, I recommend consulting with your attending physician for a careful physical examination and some tests:
-chest X ray study and backbone X ray study
-blood lab tests (complete blood count, PCR, sedimentation rate for inflammation).
You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues.
Hope to have been helpful!
Kind regards!
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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