[42F] Experiencing severe shoulder pain and headache

Patient Description

A 42-year-old female has been experiencing a constant, burning pain under her right shoulder, rated 7 out of 10 in severity, and a pressure-filled headache, rated 6 out of 10, both persisting for 5 days. The pain is localized to one spot and does not change with movement or activity. Additionally, she reports that it hurts to breathe, which may be related to her headache. There have been no recent injuries, illnesses, or infections reported. The patient has a history of high blood pressure but is not currently on any medications and has no known allergies. No swelling, redness, sudden shortness of breath, or chest pain has been noted.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, there are several possibilities:

  • Gallbladder Disease: This includes gallstones and inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis). Pain from gallbladder disease is typically felt in the upper right abdomen and can radiate to the right shoulder. It can be constant, severe, and may be associated with nausea and vomiting. However, it usually comes in waves rather than being constant.

    • Treatment usually involves medication to dissolve gallstones or surgery to remove the gallbladder.

  • Musculoskeletal Pain: This could be due to a muscle strain or inflammation in the joints or tendons of your shoulder. This would usually be associated with specific movements or positions, but you've mentioned your pain is constant.

    • Treatment usually involves rest, physical therapy, and over-the-counter pain relievers.

  • Lung Conditions: Certain lung conditions can cause shoulder pain and difficulty breathing. These include a lung infection or a collapsed lung (pneumothorax). However, these would typically also involve other symptoms like coughing, chest pain, and shortness of breath.

    • Treatment depends on the specific lung condition and may involve antibiotics, oxygen therapy, or in severe cases, surgery.

What you can do

Given the severity and duration of your symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A healthcare professional can perform a physical examination and may order tests like blood tests, an ultrasound, or a CT scan to help determine the cause of your symptoms.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Severe pain that doesn't improve with rest or over-the-counter pain relievers
  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Fever or chills
  • Nausea or vomiting

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor and this advice should not replace a consultation with a healthcare professional.

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8 mo ago

People Also Ask

What are the common symptoms of gallbladder disease?

Common symptoms of gallbladder disease include severe pain in the upper right abdomen that can radiate to the right shoulder, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes fever. The pain often comes in waves but can be constant.

Can musculoskeletal pain cause constant pain without movement?

Musculoskeletal pain is typically associated with specific movements or positions, but in some cases, inflammation or chronic conditions can cause constant pain. It's important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis.

What lung conditions can cause shoulder pain and difficulty breathing?

Lung conditions such as a lung infection or pneumothorax (collapsed lung) can cause shoulder pain and difficulty breathing. These conditions often come with additional symptoms like coughing, chest pain, and shortness of breath.

When should I seek immediate medical attention for shoulder pain?

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe pain that doesn't improve with rest or over-the-counter pain relievers, difficulty breathing, chest pain, fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting.

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