[53F] Experiencing severe and continuous arm pain without injury

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible causes for your symptoms may include:

• Rotator Cuff Injury: This is an injury to the group of muscles and their tendons that act to stabilize the shoulder. This can cause a dull ache in the shoulder, which often worsens when you try to sleep on the involved side.

  • Treatment usually involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery.

• Frozen Shoulder: This is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in your shoulder joint. Signs and symptoms typically begin gradually, worsen over time and then resolve, usually within a two-year period.

  • Treatment involves range-of-motion exercises and, sometimes, corticosteroids and numbing medications injected into the joint capsule.

• Brachial Plexus Injury: The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that sends signals from your spine to your shoulder, arm, and hand. A brachial plexus injury occurs when these nerves are stretched or compressed. This can cause severe pain, numbness, and weakness in the arm.

  • Treatment can involve physical therapy, pain management, and in some cases, surgery.

• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: This group of disorders occurs when the blood vessels or nerves in the space between your collarbone and your first rib (thoracic outlet) become compressed. This can cause pain in your shoulders and neck and numbness in your fingers.

  • Treatment usually involves physical therapy and pain relief measures. Most people improve with these approaches.

What you can do

It's important to seek medical attention for your symptoms. A healthcare provider can perform a physical examination and order appropriate tests, such as an X-ray or MRI, to determine the cause of your pain. In the meantime, you can:

1. Rest your arm and avoid any activities that make your symptoms worse.
2. Apply ice to your shoulder for 15 minutes at a time to reduce pain and swelling.
3. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), may help relieve the pain.

What you should look out for

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:

• Sudden onset of severe chest pain or difficulty breathing
• Sudden weakness or numbness in your arm or leg
• Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Sudden severe headache

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate and helpful health information, this advice is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis and treatment.