Just Answer Just Answer

Ask Your Health Question. Health Experts Answer You ASAP
(Not a Health Question?)

Question

My left arm aches from the shoulder down to elbow.


Sent to Health Experts April 11, 2006 4:59 p.m.

My left arm aches from the shoulder down to elbow. It's like a muscle spasm. What should I do?

Optional Information:
Female

Already Tried:
Not using it.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status: Closed   Value: $8   
Info Request
April 11, 2006 5:06 p.m. (6 minutes and 15 seconds later)
REPLIED to Info Request Check Mark

Do you have:

numbness, tingling or swelling?

difficulty grasping objects?

Can you raise your arm?

Did this follow any particular activity, or come on suddenly?





__________________
I hope my information is helpful. If you have more questions, just ask! I will gladly help, otherwise please click "accept".
Positive feedback and any bonus would be appreciated. Thank you, Christy
PictureChristy Hammond  -- Bachelor of Science in Nursing -- 99% Positive Feedback on 850 Health Accepts
I am self employed doing medical research for patients on their conditions and treatment options.
Reply to Christy Hammond
Sent April 11, 2006 5:14 p.m. (8 minutes and 4 seconds later)

It feels like a tightness. I wouldn't lift anything because I'd probably drop it. I can raise my arm, but it is painful. I've had it before and it went away. It just starts to ache and it keeps getting worse.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
April 11, 2006 6:22 p.m. (1 hour and 8 minutes later)

THIS ANSWER IS LOCKED!
You can view this answer by clicking here to Register or Login and paying $3.
Brian Barnes  -- Homeopathengist -- No feedback on 9 Health accepts
I have been practicing Homeopathy for years.
Answer
April 11, 2006 9:42 p.m. (3 hours and 19 minutes later)
ACCEPTED Check Mark

Your symptoms are most likely related to a
musculoskeletal disorder or injury. The shoulder joint is very complex and can sustain damage from injury or "wear and tear".

Because your pain is chronic, and limits range of motion, it is not typical of the radiating pain caused by myocardial ischemia. If you experience chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, or a sudden increase, or change in quality, of the pain in your arm you should go to ER. Schedule an appointment for your yearly physical if you have not yet had one.

You should also complete a breast self exam, and schedule your Pap and Breast exam if it has been more than a year, or you feel a lump or tissue change of any kind.

To deal with the arm pain in the meantime:

Ice entire shoulder 15-20 minutes twice daily

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)(unless you have a history of stomach pain or ulcer) Take as directed.

As inflammtion and range of motion begins to improve you will be able to progress to gentle stretching exercises.

If pain persists for several weeks, your Doctor may refer you to a Physical Therapist, prescribe anti inflammotories safe for longer term use, and possibly an MRI to look for causes.

I wish you the very best of luck and hope for a healthy future.

__________________
I hope my information is helpful. If you have more questions, just ask! I will gladly help, otherwise please click "accept".
Positive feedback and any bonus would be appreciated. Thank you, Christy


1 Other Expert Agrees with this!

PictureChristy Hammond  -- Bachelor of Science in Nursing -- 99% Positive Feedback on 850 Health Accepts
I am self employed doing medical research for patients on their conditions and treatment options.

Think you can answer this question?
 Login or  Become an Expert









DISCLAIMER: You acknowledge that any information you may obtain from individuals you contact through use of the Just Answer service comes from those individuals, not from Just Answer!, and that Just Answer is not in any way responsible for any of the information these third parties may supply. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty and no representations are made regarding the qualification of an Expert. Responses and comments on Just Answer! are for general information and are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (such as medical, legal, investment or accounting) and do not establish a professional-client relationship. Just Answer! is not intended or designed to address EMERGENCY QUESTIONS which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals. Please carefully read the Terms of Service.
   Just Answer! > Medical Questions & Online Health Advice > Arm Questions