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Severe Pain In Shoulder, Numbness In Fingers And Facing Difficulty To Raise Arm. Prognosis?

Posted on Mon, 11 Mar 2013

Question: HI,

For two weeks I have had severe pains in both my shoulders and going down both my arms with some pins & needles in fingers and thumb on my right hand, also a couple of days after pain started I noticed that I could not raise my left arm very much as ceraisuss inteiria muscle in not working properly so shoulder blade is sticking out when I try to raise my arm - I have had the same thing happen 2 years ago but on my right arm / shoulder, is it all connected?

I went to docs and on pain killers and anti inflammatory tables and being referred to a Othopadic consultant in 2 weeks.

Do you agreed with above action? Do you think I should be having a MRI scan at this stage to gauge how bad the problem is?

Thanks,
XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Samik Basu (2 hours later)

Hi XXXXXXX ,
Thank you for your query.
These are signs of compressive neuropathy.
The commonest cause would be cervical spondylosis with neural compression.
The pain is all interconnected.
You should consult an orthopedic and a neurologist.
You should also check your blood pressure and blood sugar.
MRI would be the best investigation right now.It will denote the naure and extent of the problem.
You need physiotherapy and traction right now along with the pain killers.
If you have any further queries you are free to consult me.
Hope this answers your query.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Have a nice day.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Samik Basu (1 hour later)

Hi Dr Samik,

Thanks for the reply, are you saying it sounds like a slipped disk in the neck?

what would I need blood pressure and blood sugar checked for?

Also do you have any idea of recovery time?

Thanks,
XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Samik Basu (7 hours later)

Hi,
Its actually degeneration and mild protusion of the disc causing nerve compression.
In this disease other causitive causes like hypertension and diabetes should be excluded.
Recovery time will depend on the extent and seriousness of the damage.With proper measures you should get relief in 7-14 days.
Bye

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Samik Basu (6 hours later)

Hi,

I'm only 33 so is that no too young to have degeneration of the disc?

Also I've already had for 14 days and not really improved much so would that suggest it is more severe?

Thanks,
XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Samik Basu (2 hours later)

Hi.
Degeneration starts after the age of 30.
It is accelerated by diseases like hypertension and diabetes.
Yes, it maybe be severe.So go for a MRI.
Wishing you all the best.
Bye

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar