[29F] With left arm, shoulder, and chest muscle pain

Patient Description

A 29-year-old female reports experiencing left arm and shoulder pain, along with muscle pain in the chest, for approximately one month. The arm and shoulder pain is described as both sharp and dull, with a severity of 7 out of 10. The pain occurs off and on daily, and while pain medication provides relief for about 6 hours, the pain returns. There is no swelling, weakness, numbness, or tingling noted. The muscle pain in the chest is sharp and rated as an 8 out of 10. There is no history of recent injuries, illnesses, or infections, and no family history of heart disease. The patient takes Tylenol 500mg as needed for pain and has no known allergies. No use of tobacco, alcohol, or recreational drugs is reported.

Show More

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms, here are some possible explanations:

  • Muscle Strain or Overuse: This is common and can occur from repetitive activities or sudden movements. It often causes pain in the arm and shoulder.

    • Treatment typically involves rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relief.
  • Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons, often due to repetitive motion, can cause pain in the shoulder and arm.

    • Treatment includes rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications.
  • Referred Pain: Sometimes, pain in the shoulder and arm can be referred from other areas, such as the neck or chest.

    • Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve physical therapy.

What you can do

  1. Rest and Ice: Rest the affected area and apply ice to reduce inflammation.
  2. Pain Relief: Continue using Tylenol as needed, but follow the recommended dosage.
  3. Gentle Stretching: Engage in gentle stretching exercises to maintain mobility.
  4. Track Symptoms: Use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track progress, and share notes with your healthcare provider.

What you should look out for

Seek medical attention if you experience:

  • Increased pain or swelling
  • Weakness or numbness in the arm
  • Chest pain or difficulty breathing
  • Any new or worsening symptoms

Remember, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan.

Show More

1
 Hugs
0
 Comments

Save

2 mo ago


People Also Ask


What are common causes of arm and shoulder pain?

Common causes of arm and shoulder pain include muscle strain, tendonitis, bursitis, arthritis, and referred pain from other areas such as the neck or chest.


How can I differentiate between muscle strain and tendonitis?

Muscle strain often results from overuse or sudden movements and is characterized by soreness and stiffness, while tendonitis involves inflammation of the tendons and may cause more localized pain and swelling. A healthcare provider can help differentiate between the two.


What is referred pain and how does it relate to shoulder and arm pain?

Referred pain occurs when pain is felt in an area different from its source, such as shoulder and arm pain originating from the neck or chest. It is important to identify the underlying cause to treat it effectively.


When should I seek medical attention for arm and shoulder pain?

You should seek medical attention if you experience increased pain or swelling, weakness or numbness in the arm, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or any new or worsening symptoms.


Preview

Post

No comments yet

Be the first one to comment

Share your feedback

All Stories


Experiencing symptoms?

Our AI will conduct a medical interview and assess what might be happening. You can also make a post afterwards.

Share your feedback