Referred Pain to Left Shoulder & Neck

2 years ago I had laparoscopic surgery for the repair of a hiatial hernia and the Lap Band (adjustable gastric banding) was implanted.  Since the day of the surgery in October 2005 I have lived with increasing referred pain to my left shoulder, clavicle and neck.  I have suffered no injury or trauma to that region of my body.  The pain is triggered when I eat, laugh, speak extensively, sit in certain positions, drink carbonated beverages, powerwalk or have pressure place on my chest and abdomen.  

From my research I have learned that this may be from an issue with my diaphragm thus creating phrenic nerve pain referred to the left shoulder and neck.  I have requested help from my surgeon that performed the original surgery, but he has refused to assist me.  Can someone please give me advice on what to do?

JZackary

[Godofredo MD]

Hi.

Your pain, while possibly referred pain, can also be caused by nerve impingement/compression at the cervical spine level.

If your surgeon refuses to assist you in managing your pain, you should consult a neurologist instead to properly evaluate your condition as well as check for other disorders that might have been causing the shoulder pain.

Hope this helps.