Neck, collar and shoulder pain/left side only

[keegans56]

My back is not usually involved, but for too long now I've experienced severe, acute left side pain from as high up my body as my left ear/jaw area, taking in all the left side of my neck, collar, shoulder, left arm, etc.  These episodes can last as long as 4 hours.  They have become more frequent, longer lasting and more severe.  I am out of my mind with pain.  My primary doctor says I have fibromyalgia.  Two years ago he sent me to an orthopaedic surgeon who recommended surgery for stenosis.  I did not want to have the surgery and did not have it.  I've been told that it is referred pain, but it is mind-altering and excruciating, no less.  Any ideas on refining the condition as it only occurs to my left side?  I am a white, 51 year old female.  It is increasingly becoming unmanageable.  Help.  Thanks.  Joy in Florida

[richmill1]

Achey is right, likely you have some type of cervical foramenal compression..Mri, then emg test to determine the next step

[richmill1]

Achey is right, likely you have some type of cervical foramenal compression..Mri, then emg test to determine the next step

[Achey916]

Hi Joy, how do u know you have stenosis? Did you have an MRI done on your cervical spine? If you did, you can share with us the findings so we can better help you.  Left side only is because your stenosis is probably pinching a nerve on the left side.  On the bright side, 4 hours of pain per day is great, that means you have 20 hours per day with no pain.  Many of us here would kill for that. Good luck