What Causes Pain In Shoulders And Upper Arm Muscles?

Posted on Sun, 29 Mar 2015

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

Sun, 29 Mar 2015 Answered on

Mon, 20 Apr 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I've pain in both of my shoulders for many years and now it seems to migrate into my upper arm muscles.
I can't raise my arms and when I hold a book or try to use a keyboard for any time, my arms have
increased pain. What is wrong and what can I do to correct this condition. I'm presently 82.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It can be due to nerve compression

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case. There can be two possible causes of such symptoms.
1.Cervical spondylitis- there can be nerve compression in the neck than can cause radiating pain in shoulder.
2.Rotator cuff tear with impingement- some time it can be due to cuff tear with impingement in shoulder leading to frozen shoulder.
Before I advised you any thing I would like to know little detail about your
illness.
1. Are you Diabetic or having any other medical illness?
2. Is your pain is migrating up to elbow or going in to hands also?
3. Are you also have tingling or numbness ?
Please send me answers of these questions. I will try my best to help you.
thanks

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (19 hours later)

I am pre diabetic, but my shoulder pain started before I was diagnosed for
potential diabetis
My pain is migrating up to my elbow and sometimes through my wrist and fingers
I am obese and have been for many years, and I am taking medication for
hypertension.
I do notice that my fingers may become numb when I don't have them along my
side when in bed.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It is cervical spondylitis

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for replying. After studying your answers I believe that you are having cervical spondylitis. In this condition there is nerve compression which causes pain from shoulder to finger. I would recommend you following.
1.Avoid using very high pillow or keeping your neck in same position for long time.
2.Intermittent cervical traction exercises.
3.Tablet Pregabalin M one daily at night time.
I hope these steps will be helpful for you. Let me know if there is any other followup questions.
thanks

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