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What Causes Persistent Shoulder Pain And Weakness?
Question: I have had upper back - neck body aches for 3 weeks - no fever - not sure if reaction to flu shot ( I get shot every year x 20 ) or some virus from dog or mosquitos - no fever or rash ( except mosquito bites ) little tired - going to PCP in am - gonna check CPK ANA ESR CBC CMP TSH - any other ideas ???- it almost feels like I acquired fibromyalagia - tender upper back / neck / shoulder muscles - I have been taking tylenol and ibuprofen but it doesn't help - myalagias not joint pain - just not feeling better - no RN or cough
Brief Answer:
an X-ray
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
shoulder pain and weakness could also be related to polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) but it can also be caused by far simpler conditions like spinal problems. Fibromyalgia requires pain in many different locations in the body for the diagnosis.
PMR's main laboratory characteristic is an elevated ESR, nothing more. I would also measure the potassium levels because they can be related to muscle pain if they're too low and vitamin D, because vitamin D insufficiency may present with myalgias.
Of course you should be examined by your PCP. Clinical examination data are very important to detect areas of inflammation for example.
An X-ray would be a good addition to the tests you're considering to do, to exclude (or confirm) spinal problems. Further testing might be required with MRI scan, depending on the clinical examination and X-ray findings.
I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Kind Regards!
an X-ray
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
shoulder pain and weakness could also be related to polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) but it can also be caused by far simpler conditions like spinal problems. Fibromyalgia requires pain in many different locations in the body for the diagnosis.
PMR's main laboratory characteristic is an elevated ESR, nothing more. I would also measure the potassium levels because they can be related to muscle pain if they're too low and vitamin D, because vitamin D insufficiency may present with myalgias.
Of course you should be examined by your PCP. Clinical examination data are very important to detect areas of inflammation for example.
An X-ray would be a good addition to the tests you're considering to do, to exclude (or confirm) spinal problems. Further testing might be required with MRI scan, depending on the clinical examination and X-ray findings.
I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Kind Regards!
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
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