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What Causes Persistent Pain In R Tricep And R Trap Area?

Posted on Sat, 27 Feb 2016

Question: I am a VA Health Care enrollee not receiving adequate follow up care.
9/2015 - noticed a pain in my arm, would subside as the day progressed.
10/4/2015 - pain so bad, could not raise either arm over my head. Went away after 2-days of Flexerel.
Mid-11/2015 - decided I need to see MD
12/7/2015 - Appointment made. Ordered XRays. Ref'd to Occupational Therapy, but VA has not followed up with me. I have received no medical treatment.

12/15/2015 - Pain became a 24/7 issue. Can't sit or sleep without pain in my R tricep. I also get a sharp pain in my R tricep and R trap when I cough, sneeze or laugh. I don't notice any weakness or loss of range of motion in my arm. However, I do notice a loss in range of motion of my neck--down, up and to the left. Bending over and reaching below my waist for anything also causes a sharp pain in the R tricep and R trap area. I do get temporary relief with standing, but as soon as I sit or lie down, the pain resumes.

I quit exercising mid-December. Ihave tried heat, ice, Aleve, Flexeral, chiropractor visits, massage therapist visits, exercising, not exercising, stretching, YOGA, KT tape, a tens unit and even meditation. Nothing provides relief.

I don't remember causing an injury to my arm or neck. I just woke up one morning and it bothered me and has become increasingly worse. I am a side sleeper.

What is it? What can I do?

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (22 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Could be cervical spondylosis. Needs further investigation to plan for treatment

Detailed Answer:
Hi there.

Thanks for the query.

Now to go ahead further, I need you to kindly go through these following questions and answer them-

Do you have radiating pain from the back of your neck to your arm or hands?

Do you feel tingling or numbness of the arms and hands?

Have you gotten xrays and MRI?

From the history provided, it appears that you could be having Cervical Spondylosis. It is a degenerative condition affecting the cervical spine that can cause restriction in the range of motion of the neck, compress on the nerves and cause pain on the arms and shoulders and also sometimes weakness.

It is best to avoid bending the neck forward. Avoid lifting weights. Use a soft cervical collar for support. Continue applying hot packs to the painful regions for relief from muscle spasm.

Kindly get an Xray and MRI of your cervical spine done and upload for my reference.

If there is a significant disc slip causing nerve root of spinal cord compression, it may require more than regular conservative methods and possibly surgery.

I hope I have answered your query.

I will be available to answer your follow up queries.

Regards,

Dr. Aashish Raghu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Aashish Raghu (1 hour later)

There is no radiating pain from the back of your neck to your arm or hands, and no tingling or numbness of the arms and hands. There is only a constant sharp pain in my tricep and pain if I move my neck forward, backward or to the left.

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Needs massage. Kindly get Xray and MRI

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the reply.

You could get the Physiotherapist to find the site of localised muscular spasm and give a firm massage to 'rub out the knots'.

Kindly do get the Xray and MRI done for a better picture of the problem, following which I can give you the best advice you need for your treatment.

My Best Wishes.

Regards

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee