Discomfort in Shoulder

I have had some discomfort in my shoulder for the past 3-4 years, sometimes it feels like its burning and sometimes it feels like an irritation, my skin is also tender to touch but theres nothing there when you look at it.  I have only just told my doctor about it, she says its neurology, and its possibly a nerve that comes too close to the surface and causes a burning feeling.  She has prescribed some cream which i've only just started.  I used to only feel the discomfortness every now and again, but now i can feel it everyday and its getting worse.  My doctor has told me to change my washing powder, which i have several times.  
Is it something i should be worried about.

Kerry

[Forum-M.D.-SH]

First of all, keep in mind that I am unable to diagnose you because I am unable to examine you, this forum is for educational purposes.  
    The symptoms that you describe are concerning for possible cervical disc disease (neck problem).  The area of the shoulder is supplied by the C5 nerve root and by the cutaneous division of the axillary nerve.  A common cause of pain and buring in the distribution of the shoulder is a disc and/or arthritis in your neck that pushes on the C5 nerve root.  This can also result in weakness of the shoulder muscles if it gets worse.  This injury can also result from a neck hyperextension injury (such as whiplash, etc), that is less likely since you have had the symptoms for 3-4 years.  I would recommend that you get an MRI of the cervical spine with and without contrast to look for neck disease that could cause your symptoms.  I would also suggest that you get an EMG (nerve-muscle test) of the upper extremity (arm/shoulder) to assess for any signs of nerve root, peripheral nerve and/or muscle injury.  
I hope this has been helpful.

[mike1105]

the fact that it is just one shoulder makes me feel it s not a neurological issue, nor a skin issue. I am not an MD, mind you, but that dx. just seems odd to me. It may in fact be related to the muscles in that shoulder girdle, or an orthopedic issue. I'd see a good shoulder specialist and a good physical therapist for an evaluatin. one thing to think about is when does it hurt the most? what kind of work do you do? do you hunch over? are you on the computer alot? these factors can all affect the intricate relationsship of the shoulder girdle muscles. an imbalnce can easily casue pain.

[Public Safety]

Several weeks ago, I have been having shoulder and neck pain on the left side. My arm and hand only tingles if I move my neck and shoulder a certain way. I sit at a desk all day long with my head down the majority of the day typing on the computer. Everybody that I have talked to said it sounds like a pinched nerve. I don't know if I should go ahead and see my MD or a chiropractor. Any suggestions?

Vicki

[mike1105]

it could be  pinched nerve, or it could be neck muscle spasm/imbalance from hunchng over all day. i'd suggest you get a book on posture to make yourself aware of these postures that can cause you problems.   even if it is a pinched nrve or a disc, it is possible tht it may correct itself/heal if youstop doingewhat is casuing the problem.

[rainsummer]

Have an MRI of your neck..I have same sensation and have neck problems...I will have surgery this summer..

[Quixotic1]

Could your Dr. have said the pain was "neuralgia"?  It sound very much to be like a pinched or compressed sensory nerve. This would show up on just one side.   A couple of the posters above had good ideas about the etiology.  Severe muscular-skeletal tension can put pressure on nerves.  So can spinal column disease.

The spinal nerve that enervates the skin of the shoulder area is C4 (from the 4th cervical vertebrae)  but there may be overlap from C3 and C5.

I don't understand the reference to nerves too close to the surface of the skin.  That's where the sensory nerves are!

What was the cream she gave you?

Quix