Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
134 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Recurring Sharp Pain Down The Arm?

My partner only smokes when he is drinking and the last 3 years suffers from a sharp piercing pain down his left arm after he smokes the following day when he does not smoke he still suffers from the pain, the last 6 months the pain has been getting worse and also has been lasting for two days after he smokes, he won t go to doctors I am very worried about his health he is 50 year old
posted on Fri, 25 Jul 2014
Twitter Wed, 27 Aug 2014 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 27 Aug 2014 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
Orthopaedic Surgeon,  's  Response
Hello,

I have studied your case.
Due to compression of this nerve root there is pain in your arm and rib
This can be related to smoking also.
Due to occlusion of vessels are common in smokers leading to pain.
Many lung diseases are common in smokers, due to this there can be rib pain.

I will advise you to do MRI thoracic spine, HRCT [CHEST] and EMG- NCV [nerve conduction study]
For these symptoms analgesic and neurotropic medication can be started.
Till time, avoid lifting weights, Sit with support to back. You can consult physiotherapist for help.
Physiotherapy like ultrasound and interferential therapy will give quick relief.
I will advise to check your vit B12 and vit D3 level.
Cardiac cause of pain needs to be ruled out.

Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.

Wishing you good health.

Take care
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 
Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Recurring Sharp Pain Down The Arm?

Hello, I have studied your case. Due to compression of this nerve root there is pain in your arm and rib This can be related to smoking also. Due to occlusion of vessels are common in smokers leading to pain. Many lung diseases are common in smokers, due to this there can be rib pain. I will advise you to do MRI thoracic spine, HRCT [CHEST] and EMG- NCV [nerve conduction study] For these symptoms analgesic and neurotropic medication can be started. Till time, avoid lifting weights, Sit with support to back. You can consult physiotherapist for help. Physiotherapy like ultrasound and interferential therapy will give quick relief. I will advise to check your vit B12 and vit D3 level. Cardiac cause of pain needs to be ruled out. Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries. Wishing you good health. Take care