What Causes Pain In Arm And Bump On Back After An Injury?

Posted on Fri, 16 Jan 2015

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

Fri, 16 Jan 2015 Answered on

Fri, 13 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : My husband, who has Parkinson's, fell last Sunday and has complained of pain radiating down his left arm. I noticed yesterday that he has a bump on his upper left back that is hard to the touch and hurts him when I touch it. This past Tuesday he had several X-rays taken of his left arm and nothing appeared broken. Could the bump on his back be causing the pain in his arm? And how can we ease the pain. I've given him Advil and that seems to work, but also makes him very drowsy.

Answered by Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
he may need x ray or MRI cervical spine

Detailed Answer:
Hello
I have studied your case.
pain radiating to arm suggest nerve root compression in cervical spine.
This may lead to pain in arm along with tingling numbness.
I will advise you MRI cervical spine or MRI shoulder after clinical examination.
Neurotropic medication like pregabalin and methylcobalamine can be started consulting your doctor.
Physiotherapy plays important role in treatment. Physiotherapy like ultrasound and Tens may give you relief.
Bump on back does not cause pain in arm.
Another possibility of left side pain can be due to cardiac reason. rule out cardiac cause.
I hope I have answered your questions. If you have further questions please feel free to contact us. I will be happy to answer. Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad