shoulder and right arm pain

I have suffered from fibromyalgia for about 10 years now.  This past March, while away down south, I had a motorcycle accident and slid along the pavement on my right side.  My right arm was extended to protect my head and I ended up with road burns from my armpit to my elbow, as well as down my back and buttock.  My doctor has just told me that she thinks I have damaged the main nerve that goes from your armpit to your fingers.  I cant remember the name of the nerve.  I am having major pains in my left shoulder and elbow.  My right forearm goes numb frequently and my fingers tingle.  Sometimes the pain is so bad that I cant move my arm at all.  I find I am dropping things with this arm.
Could I please get your opinion on this?  What would you reccommend as a treatment?  My doctor said that Lyrica will help.

[Christopher R Newey, DO]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with a doctor.

Without the ability to examine and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of the symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

I am not sure which nerve you are trying to describe. There are multiple nerves that travel from the “armpit” down into the arm/forearm/hand.

If you haven’t already done so, I suggest that you be seen by a neurologist for consultation but also for a test called EMG/NCS. Together, these would evaluate the extent of injury to the nerve(s) and to identify which nerve(s) is involved.

If you have a neuropathic pain, pregabalin (brand name Lyrica) is sometimes used. Others include gabapentin, tricyclic antidepressants, etc.

Again, I would suggest that you have a formal neurological evaluation.

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.