Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Intermittent Tugging Pain In The Shoulders While Treating Lupus?
Question: hi, I am a 52 year old woman and have diagnosed lupus. I haveexperienced chronic pain and discomfort for a long time but have managed with help from a rheumatologist and my internal doctor. recently for about 5 days I have had intermitant severe pulling like pain in right shoulder and into right arm . yesterday that same kind of pain went to the left shoulder. I really have a difficult time getting up in am to go teach my classes at public school. I am concerned about heart ,cancer or other major diseases. can you help me? my email YYYY@YYYY
Brief Answer:
Definitely not a heart disease or cancer!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks so much for this query.
I have reviewed these symptoms and the entire information fully. Pain, affecting both shoulders intermittently is never suggestive of heart disease. If it were a heart related pain, the location would be constant and not move like you described.
Cancers often start at a single location and only spread to other areas after a long time. It is therefore not possible to have had this migratory pain as a result of a possible cancer.
All this information suggests that you probably have a musculoskeletal disorder. This is mainly supported by the fact that you have lupus which is a high risk condition for this. Medications against lupus should be able to help address this. In the meantime, tylenol and or Ibuprofen can help reduce your pain. Are you on any drugs at this time for lupus?
I hope this guides and helps. I wish you well. Feel free to follow up with me if need be.
Definitely not a heart disease or cancer!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks so much for this query.
I have reviewed these symptoms and the entire information fully. Pain, affecting both shoulders intermittently is never suggestive of heart disease. If it were a heart related pain, the location would be constant and not move like you described.
Cancers often start at a single location and only spread to other areas after a long time. It is therefore not possible to have had this migratory pain as a result of a possible cancer.
All this information suggests that you probably have a musculoskeletal disorder. This is mainly supported by the fact that you have lupus which is a high risk condition for this. Medications against lupus should be able to help address this. In the meantime, tylenol and or Ibuprofen can help reduce your pain. Are you on any drugs at this time for lupus?
I hope this guides and helps. I wish you well. Feel free to follow up with me if need be.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
