Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 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 Sharp Pain In Left Shoulder That Radiates To Forearm?

I just saw the doctor today. I had this sharp pain start from left shoulder to my forearm for the last three days. The doctor said one of the cause might be shingle and told me to watch out if I start to have the rash. I feel the acute pointed sharp pain but I am not sure if it s from the tendon or the nerve. So what other cause might that be? I don t have the other symptom of shingle other than the pain.
Mon, 8 Jun 2020
Report Abuse
General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hello,

As per my clinical experience, the sharp pain in left shoulder radiating to forearm may be indicative of nerve compression at brachial plexus or cervical spine region most likely. The ulnar or median nerve are most likely affected nerves during such agony of upper limb disorders.

It requires a comprehensive approach to diagnose the same with:
- Thorough neurological examination, sensory, motor parameters and biceps, triceps reflexes
- X-ray cervical spine
- X-ray chest to rule out extra ribs or thoracic outlet conditions
- MRI cervical spine or brachial plexus as per the clinician decision

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

Regards,
Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel, General Surgeon
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
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
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Sharp Pain In Left Shoulder That Radiates To Forearm?

Hello, As per my clinical experience, the sharp pain in left shoulder radiating to forearm may be indicative of nerve compression at brachial plexus or cervical spine region most likely. The ulnar or median nerve are most likely affected nerves during such agony of upper limb disorders. It requires a comprehensive approach to diagnose the same with: - Thorough neurological examination, sensory, motor parameters and biceps, triceps reflexes - X-ray cervical spine - X-ray chest to rule out extra ribs or thoracic outlet conditions - MRI cervical spine or brachial plexus as per the clinician decision Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel, General Surgeon