Really Muscular?

Today I saw a specialist for shoulder and neck pain which appears to have come from repeated stress due to work.
However, I've recently been reading about symptoms in the shoulder and neck which can be from lung cancer.  My pain is seeming to originate from the muscle group which runs from the neck down to the shoulder.  I can also feel it in the shoulderblade and even in my tricept and forearm on occassion.  Also I have a seemingly related burning type pain right where my armpit starts (not on the inside next to the chest, but on the outside at the back where the tricepts brachia meets the teres minor (I think).

I'm scheduled for a chest x-ray because I am worried and am a 40 year old smoker.  Boy, quitting now and hoping its not too late.

My question is about whether such a pain, particularly the burn I'm feeling near the tricepts brachia really has a likelihood of being a benign injury from a carpentry pull.  I have also had periodic spasming the last few days of the pectorals on this same (right side).  The shoulder symptoms really feel like muscle fatigue but are frightening.

Have had these for about 3 weeks now. Recommentation was for ibuprofin and physical therapy.

Thanks.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

If lung cancer is a concern, I agree with the chest X-ray.  A chest CT can provide further details if there continues to be suspicion.

If the pain is muscular in origin, physical therapy and NSAIDs are indeed standard therapy.  Other options can include trigger point injections as well as a physiatry (rehabilitation MD) evaluation.  The scenario of the pain coming from a pull is certainly plausible.

Other considerations would be a pinched nerve, which can be evaluated with nerve conduction studies.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patients education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com

[Rhonb]

A related discussion, Muscular arthritis was started.