left arm shoulder pain

[donz465]

hi,ive had constant pain in my left arm for a few mths now,i got numness and tingly feelings all the way down my arm into my hand and fingers.,also with severe pain is in my shoulder and downto my elbow,ive tried strong painkillers,hot baths,and a bandaage but nothing works,i rub and maassage my shoulder and arm and that helps a little,its getting worse and is there constantly,its even keeping me awake at nights,please cud u help?thanks.

[philnoir]

Tired of the Pain -- now there's a screen name we can all identify with!

I cannot diagnose your condition, my friend, but let me offer a few suggestions that your docs may not have considered.

First, diabetes mellitus is a systemic disease that can affect both blood circulation and nerve conduction in the extremities. This is perhaps why your docs have performed EMG nerve conduction tests.

Unfortunately, there is little a physician can do to improve diabetic neuropathy. Certain medications, like gabapentin or pregabalin may help, but like all medications, come with their own side effects.

Next, a condition called thoracic outlet syndrome is a painful condition of the arm, fingers, and shoulder, caused by an occlusion of the nerves serving these areas (the brachial plexus). Conservative treatments like physiotherapy that have mixed success, and yes, the exercises are painful.

Interventional techniques -- ie, injections, may help and you may benefit from seeing an interventional pain physician. These docs are advanced practice anesthesiologists that have the credential DABPM after their MD.

One last thing -- ice is a great pain reliever. Oxycodone is a powerful pain medication and sometimes when we're medicated with strong drugs, we forget the simple remedies. Try icing your upper pectoral/shoulder for 20 minutes and see if you obtain some relief.

Surgery is a last resort. Some surgeons are brilliant at finding causes for this painful syndrome and removing just enough tissue to solve the problem. But surgery can also fail and because surgery causes scar tissue, exacerbate the problem. So, always go into surgery with your eyes wide open to negative outcomes as well as possible cures. At least, get a second or third opinion if surgery is offered.

Best wishes.

[TiredOfThePain76]

I also suffer from severe pain in my left shoulder that radiates down my armsometimes to my hand. I've had xrays, EMG, and mri, but nothing can be found.  I've seen 2 different orthopedicspecialists.  One said he thinks it's a frozen shoulder as I'm diabetic.  However, the exercises he gave me to do have only causes a major increase in pain.  I'm taking Oxycodone every 4 hours and still don't get any relief.  I cry myself to sleep most nights and then I can only sleep for about an hour at the most.  If anyone knows what this could be I would greatly appreciate any input.

[loopy1969]

i have  pain at night mostly in my left shoulder to my elbow  i woke up early hrs a few days ago but couldnt move my arm like it was seased and i straightend it a little at a time becouse it was quite servier  untill it was straight !     what could it be  ?   and why couldnt i move my arm ?   please aas it did kind of Worrie me x

[Red931]

Also have you noticed any weaknes in the arm/shoulder as time has gone by since the pain set in?

Please excuse my typo. With all of my injuries I am ashamed that I mispelled Orthopedic. lol

Post back as soon as you can.

[Red931]

You may have a couple of different things going on there. You need to see an Orthpeadic Surgeon. For the time being lets see if we can't identify what was going on when you began having these problems. I have had seven shoulder surgeries total on both sides so I may be able to help you.

Try to remember what you were doing right before you started having these pains. Once we establish that it will give me a better idea of what may be going on.

Pain in the shoulder that radiates down to the elbow is an indication of a tear to the rotator cuff. The fact that is doesn't go away is an even better indicator. Then add in that it wakes you at night when your probably rolling on to it almost seals the deal. However, you never know you need an MRI with Contrast.

Does the pain increase if you try to raise your arm above your head?

Will the pain ease a bit if you apply ice rather than heat. You don't want to apply heat to a torn cuff (if that is your problem) unless you are going to stretch it or excercise it which I don't recommend until you have seen a doctor.

Think tingling in the forearm to the fingers sounds like a Carpal Tunnel issue or some other type of nerve damage.

Think about what I have asked you here and post back. I will share any experience I have with you.

[Mollyrae]

PS- To try and alleviate some of the discomfort, try using a heating pad at night or soak in a warm tub for a while. This might help calm the area.

OTC meds like a good NSAID ( Naproxen) might be somewhat effective as well.

[Mollyrae]

Hello donz and welcome to the Pain Forum.

How is your back? It sounds like either you have Cervical problems or you have pulled a muscle in your shoulder and with use, you may be re-injuring it.

Many Cervical problems present themselves as pain running down one arm with numbness and tingling associated with it. I guess I would contact your Physician and have him/her run a few tests including some imaging like an MRI or CT Scan which can pin point any problems in the Cervical region.

I would not wait to make that appt. In some cases, the longer you wait, the more damage you will create making the healing process much more difficult.

Please take care and good luck with the arm.

Mollyrae