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What Causes Radiating Pain In Back, Left Arm And Fingers?
Question: I am a 44 yr old female and have had a strong throbbing sensation, 'tight' feeling and mild pain in what seems to be subclavian artery on left side for about 9 hours now. For the last couple of hours my back (shoulder area) and left arm also has mild pain going down back of it into little finger which feels a little weak/numb. This has happened a few times over last 3 years and gone away again so have always put it down to stress, but the throbbing/tight sensation in artery area is more pronounced today and shows no sign of letting up. I don't really have time to see a doctor until after Easter so thought I'd try and get some idea from you.
I had a cardiac MRI about 9 months ago because I have had sporadic chest/shoulder pains for years (which I 'd always assumed was due to the scarring on my lungs ). The MRI was clear. I never thought to mention this occasional pulsing in the artery above the collar bone before as it doesn't happen as often as the chest pain and I forget about it in between bouts.
I had a cardiac MRI about 9 months ago because I have had sporadic chest/shoulder pains for years (which I 'd always assumed was due to the scarring on my lungs ). The MRI was clear. I never thought to mention this occasional pulsing in the artery above the collar bone before as it doesn't happen as often as the chest pain and I forget about it in between bouts.
Brief Answer:
Trapezius muscle syndrome
Detailed Answer:
Greetings and welcome to HCM. I understand your concern. Thank you for your question.
Well, a clear MRI of the heart certainly rules out a cardiac problem to your issue. Based on you description, your sex and your age of 44 years old, it looks more like an acute inflammation of the locomotory system of the area. This may come from assuming a certain position of stature during work or sleep.
The trapezius muscle syndrome fits you symptoms. This is basically cured spontaneously, but I would suggest you to be treated with over-the-counter Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) for a short course, e.g. five to seven days.
My opinion is that the pain will probably go away. The reason that I confidently exclude the cardiac origin to your issue is that cardiac problems do not generate in such short time. Therefore, if the symptoms will not subside after the advises I provided, feel free to ask again, and certain recommendations will be prescribed.
I hope my answer is helpful to you. I am happy to help, if you have follow-up questions.
Kind regards,
Dr. Meriton
Trapezius muscle syndrome
Detailed Answer:
Greetings and welcome to HCM. I understand your concern. Thank you for your question.
Well, a clear MRI of the heart certainly rules out a cardiac problem to your issue. Based on you description, your sex and your age of 44 years old, it looks more like an acute inflammation of the locomotory system of the area. This may come from assuming a certain position of stature during work or sleep.
The trapezius muscle syndrome fits you symptoms. This is basically cured spontaneously, but I would suggest you to be treated with over-the-counter Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) for a short course, e.g. five to seven days.
My opinion is that the pain will probably go away. The reason that I confidently exclude the cardiac origin to your issue is that cardiac problems do not generate in such short time. Therefore, if the symptoms will not subside after the advises I provided, feel free to ask again, and certain recommendations will be prescribed.
I hope my answer is helpful to you. I am happy to help, if you have follow-up questions.
Kind regards,
Dr. Meriton
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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