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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Excruciating Pain In Shoulder Radiating To Arm And Neck?

I have been experiencing excruciating pain in my left shoulder. It has been gradually getting worse for almost a year now. On bad days the pain radiates down to the back of my elbow and from there to the front of my wrist. It also radiates up into my neck. If I hold my left arm across my chest with my right arm the radiating pain goes away but the nagging, throbbing pain in my shoulder remains. I have tried ice, heat, massage, analgesics and over the counter meds. I am at a loss but I don t want to go to the doctor for something that might be just a minor muscle strain. Any ideas? Thank you in advance! -Erica
posted on Mon, 4 May 2015
Twitter Wed, 16 Nov 2022 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 29 Nov 2022 Last reviewed on
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Anesthesiologist,  's  Response
Hello,

Your pain in the shoulder down the arm may be because of brachial plexus injury, rotator cuff injury, cervical radiculopathy, cervical spondylitis or frozen shoulder. Treatment depends upon the cause. As you have tried almost all the over the counter pain medications, I recommend NSAIDs like ibuprofen and a muscle relaxant like chlorzoxazone twice daily for 14 days.

To prevent gastric irritation, tab. Pantop 40 mg once daily before food is advised. Physical therapy involving therapeutic ultrasound and other muscle strengthening exercises would help in relieving pain. If no result is seen, you may need to consult an orthopedic surgeon for detailed clinical examination and few tests like x ray and MRI if necessary to arrive at a specific diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Pallavi M., Anesthesiologist
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What Causes Excruciating Pain In Shoulder Radiating To Arm And Neck?

Hello, Your pain in the shoulder down the arm may be because of brachial plexus injury, rotator cuff injury, cervical radiculopathy, cervical spondylitis or frozen shoulder. Treatment depends upon the cause. As you have tried almost all the over the counter pain medications, I recommend NSAIDs like ibuprofen and a muscle relaxant like chlorzoxazone twice daily for 14 days. To prevent gastric irritation, tab. Pantop 40 mg once daily before food is advised. Physical therapy involving therapeutic ultrasound and other muscle strengthening exercises would help in relieving pain. If no result is seen, you may need to consult an orthopedic surgeon for detailed clinical examination and few tests like x ray and MRI if necessary to arrive at a specific diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Pallavi M., Anesthesiologist