Is There Anything To Be Done For The Pain When One Moves From A Possible Pinched Nerve In The Upper Arm?

Posted on Thu, 28 Jun 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 28 Jun 2018 Answered on

Wed, 9 Feb 2022 Last reviewed on

Question : My husband woke a couple of days ago with what feels like a pinched nerve in his upper arm. lower arm no pain. don't know what kind of treatment goes for a pinched nerve. I know it takes time. Is there anything to be done for the pain when he moves

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Could be cervical radiculopathy or frozen shoulder.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

In my opinion the pain is due to pressure on c5 nerve root (starts at neck), The pain may go up to middle of upper arm.
For this he should continue pain killers and add muscle relaxants. Also start physiotherapy. The other possibility is frozen shoulder, where the movements in shoulders decrease and are painful. Diagnosis is by MRI in both cases. Treatment is similar but physiotherapy differs.

Thanx for the question . Please feel free to ask any other question.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Gopal (23 hours later)

What is best to apply..hot or cold. is it like sciatica which takes time to calm down? For pain does a inflammatory drug like Advil work?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please see below

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I normally prescribe the hot packs.

Yes, it is like sciatica and takes time.

In my opinion, Advil alone is not enough. I normally suggest a combination of Acetaminophen and Tramadol.

Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee