Right Shoulder pain

[jessie37]

Hi all, I have very similar pain to you all. I had a car crash 3 years ago and have been in pain since. I have pain next to my right shoulder near my spine which then radiates down my hand. It was on and off after the crash but constant with the past 2 years and getting worse.I have pins and needles alot and lack of life in my hands I also suffer with headaches and the pain in my shoulder/back hurts worse when I breathe in deepo or cough or sneeze or make any sudden moves. I have had an mri of my Cervical Spine which showed some muscle inflammation and one of my shoulder which showed nothing. I cant convince my doctors to do one of my Thoraic Spine as they just say nothing will show up. I have had xrays which have been fine. Also my ribs on my left side have been painful ever since I crashed and 3 years later I am unable to lie on them. Does anyone here think I would benefit from an mri of my T spine or are the docs right?

[EdwardPB]

No, nerve damage does not show up, in an MRI. Structural damage, implying nerve damage, does.
However, I am not referring to that. The test, I was referring to, is the EMG. (Electromyography)
It tests the nerves conduction and can indicate nerve damage, or soft tissue damage, (compression/constriction/scarring) to the nerve pathways.
Have you had your shoulder checked for impingement symptoms? (low probability, based on symptoms and MRI results)

[jessie37]

Thanks for your reply, no have never had any nerve tests, just seen a nuerologist who did a physical examination and said I had no nerve damage. Does an mri show nerve damage? and just wondering would the pain of soft tissue injuries be this intense three years later. The pain near my right shoulder is constant and nothing ever relieves it. To describe it, feels like something is stuck in my back and would love to pull it out to relieve the pressure. So grateful for any suggestions. I have tried every medication, but I just cant really take tablets, make me sick and not myself.

[EdwardPB]

In a correction to my post above:
Thoracic spine anomalies can be a source of trunk/rib pain. However, with what you describe, it is minimal probability and sounds more soft tissue.

[EdwardPB]

The docs are right.
The symptoms you describe would be a result of nerves in the C-spine. (if nerves where the source at all)
Sounds like a possible costrachondritis  type issue, or possible cartilage separation.
Have you had a nerve channel test? (I forget the name, they check the nerve paths to see if they are impeded)