Suggest Remedy For Shoulder Pain When Suffering From Fibromyalgia

Posted on Wed, 31 Dec 2014

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

Wed, 31 Dec 2014 Answered on

Wed, 28 Jan 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in February of this year. I think i may have costochondritis. I would feel my left side of ribcage at times, but 8/9 days ago at times the pain has been very severe on left shoulder/shoulder blade & at times i can feel a tingling/numbness down the arm and into the hand. Should i go to my GP for a x cortisone injection as pain killers only help for a short time. I went to my local A&E on Monday of this week but they wouldnt give me anti-inflammatories because they could affect my asthma. Thankyou

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
There is need for correct diagnosis.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, I had gone through your question and understand your concerns.

There is need for a correct diagnosis if you have costochondritis and the cause of it.

If your diagnosis is costochondritis, in my opinion corticosteroids can help improve your symptoms, since you can't use NSAID drugs because of asthma.

So if your symptoms are caused by costochondritis besides fibromyalgia, then you can discuss the possibility corticoids treatment.

Hope this answers your question. If you have further questions feel free to ask.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (7 hours later)

Thankyou for your reply. I will try to see GP tomorrow and hopefully get a cortisone injection. My collar bone & sternum are also sore to press on. What gentle exercise would u suggest until i see GP along with the 30/500 co-codamol which only help the pain for a short time. Happy New Year to all. Thankyou.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You can apply warm procedures.

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for asking again.

You can apply warm procedures on tender area. You can also apply topical (local) NSAID cream on that area.

There is no need for any exercise, rest helps more in improving your symptoms.

Hope this helps. If you have further questions feel free to ask.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari