[42M] Experiencing severe right shoulder pain with arm numbness and grip weakness

Patient Description

A 42-year-old male presents with a 4-day history of severe right shoulder pain, rated 9/10, located near the shoulder blade, with no alleviating factors identified. The pain is sharp and constant, exacerbated by movements such as lifting a bowl or a fork. Additionally, the patient reports associated numbness down the back side of the right arm, specifically affecting the pinky and ring finger and the back of the hand, described as a loss of feeling. The numbness has not improved significantly with NSAID use. The patient also experiences grip weakness, rated 5/10, with hand shaking and shooting pain upon turning the head. No recent injuries, loss of bowel or bladder control, or difficulty with fine motor skills have been reported. The patient's medical history is unremarkable, with no known allergies or adverse reactions to medications. Current medications include Vyvanse and Lisinopril. No other symptoms or medications have been noted.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, the following conditions could be causing your symptoms:

  • Cervical Radiculopathy: This condition occurs when a nerve in your neck is irritated or compressed. This can cause pain that radiates into the shoulder and arm, as well as numbness or weakness in these areas. The numbness you're experiencing in your pinky and ring finger and the back of your hand is a common symptom of this condition.

    • Treatment often involves physical therapy, medications to reduce inflammation and pain, and in some cases, surgery.
  • Rotator Cuff Injury: This is a common cause of shoulder pain and can result from a tear or inflammation of the tendons in the shoulder. However, this condition usually doesn't cause numbness in the arm or hand.

    • Treatment often involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery.
  • Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: This condition occurs when the blood vessels or nerves between your collarbone and your first rib are compressed. This can cause pain in your shoulder and neck and numbness in your fingers.

    • Treatment often involves physical therapy, pain relief medications, and in some cases, surgery.

Please note that these are possible conditions based on your symptoms and you should consult a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis.

What you can do

  1. Rest: Avoid activities that exacerbate your shoulder pain and numbness.
  2. Pain relief: Continue taking NSAIDs as needed for pain relief, but be sure to follow the recommended dosage instructions.
  3. Physical therapy: Once you've consulted with a healthcare professional and received a formal diagnosis, they may recommend physical therapy to help manage your symptoms.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Sudden, severe pain in your shoulder or arm
  • Sudden difficulty moving your arm
  • Loss of sensation or weakness in your arm or hand
  • Chest pain or difficulty breathing

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, diagnosis, and treatment.

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11 mo ago

People Also Ask


What is cervical radiculopathy and how is it treated?

Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve in the neck is irritated or compressed, leading to pain that radiates into the shoulder and arm, as well as numbness or weakness. Treatment often involves physical therapy, medications to reduce inflammation and pain, and sometimes surgery.


Can a rotator cuff injury cause numbness in the arm or hand?

A rotator cuff injury typically causes shoulder pain and may result from a tear or inflammation of the tendons in the shoulder. However, it usually does not cause numbness in the arm or hand.


What are the symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome?

Thoracic outlet syndrome occurs when the blood vessels or nerves between the collarbone and the first rib are compressed. Symptoms include pain in the shoulder and neck, as well as numbness in the fingers.


When should I seek immediate medical attention for shoulder pain?

Immediate medical attention should be sought if you experience sudden, severe pain in the shoulder or arm, sudden difficulty moving the arm, loss of sensation or weakness in the arm or hand, or chest pain or difficulty breathing.


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