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What Causes Chronic Burning Pain In The Upper Right Back?
Question: I have a chronic burning pain in the upper right back part of my shoulder. It does not appear to be muscular. Any thoughts?
Brief Answer:
possibly due to neuropathy
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Burning pain can sometimes be related to the nerves that supply that area of the body.
Abnormal function of the nerves (neuropathy) can cause different abnormal sensations including burning, tingling, sticking, numbness etc.
It can be temporary or permanent and there are different possible causes.
Some of the more common causes are: (1) trauma to the nerves eg arthritis of the neck or shoulder can affect the nerves in this area
(2)diabetes
(3)low levels of vitamin b12 and folate can cause neuropathy
(4)abnormal levels of vitamin b6
(5)infection such as shingles
(6)side effect of medication
(7)liver or kidney disease
(8)idiopathic- sometimes the cause cannot be found
(9)exposure to toxins
(10)thyroid disease
As mentioned, it can be temporary in some cases but if it is worsening or persisting for a prolonged period or you are concerned, then you should be seen
Most doctors would a history of this and any possible associated symptoms, chronic illnesses, medications.
General physical examination and examination of the central nervous system (checking power/strength, sensations, reflexes etc)
Blood tests (vitamin levels , thyroid hormone, screening for diabetes, screening for infection, liver and kidney check)
In some cases, nerve conduction tests are done by a neurologist (doctor who specializes in conditions of the nerves)
There are medications that can treat abnormal nerve sensations eg amitriptyline, nortriptyline, tegretol, lyrica, gabapentin
These meds were originally used as either depression or seizure medications but it has been found that they help to treat nerve related sensations in persons who do not have depression or seizure.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
possibly due to neuropathy
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Burning pain can sometimes be related to the nerves that supply that area of the body.
Abnormal function of the nerves (neuropathy) can cause different abnormal sensations including burning, tingling, sticking, numbness etc.
It can be temporary or permanent and there are different possible causes.
Some of the more common causes are: (1) trauma to the nerves eg arthritis of the neck or shoulder can affect the nerves in this area
(2)diabetes
(3)low levels of vitamin b12 and folate can cause neuropathy
(4)abnormal levels of vitamin b6
(5)infection such as shingles
(6)side effect of medication
(7)liver or kidney disease
(8)idiopathic- sometimes the cause cannot be found
(9)exposure to toxins
(10)thyroid disease
As mentioned, it can be temporary in some cases but if it is worsening or persisting for a prolonged period or you are concerned, then you should be seen
Most doctors would a history of this and any possible associated symptoms, chronic illnesses, medications.
General physical examination and examination of the central nervous system (checking power/strength, sensations, reflexes etc)
Blood tests (vitamin levels , thyroid hormone, screening for diabetes, screening for infection, liver and kidney check)
In some cases, nerve conduction tests are done by a neurologist (doctor who specializes in conditions of the nerves)
There are medications that can treat abnormal nerve sensations eg amitriptyline, nortriptyline, tegretol, lyrica, gabapentin
These meds were originally used as either depression or seizure medications but it has been found that they help to treat nerve related sensations in persons who do not have depression or seizure.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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