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Why Does My Shoulder And Neck Swell After Driving Or
Question: Why does my shoulder and neck swell after driving or using my left arm. Plus the right side will swell at times. My shoulders and neck stay tense even when at rest.
Brief Answer:
Thoracic outlet syndrome may be a possible cause of your symptoms.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to Ask a Doctor service,
Very likely you are having thoracic outlet syndrome. This is a condition due to compression of the nerves and blood vessels that come out in the area. The pain and swelling and in some cases even skin color changes may be triggered by certain activities and driving is one of them.
Generally, examinations come out normal (CT scan) unless there is an extra cervical rib (a structure that may add pressure on the nerves and blood vessels). It is good you had the CT scan to rule out other structural conditions as thoracic outlet syndrome is considered after structural problems are ruled out.
To conclude:
- I would recommend you to talk with your doctor on the chance of you having thoracic outlet syndrome.
- you will need a good physical examination and in rare cases and ultrasound or EMG.
- physiotherapy is the first line of treatment
- if no enough improvement is noticed with physiotherapy, surgical intervention may be indicated.
- another possible diagnosis to consider is trapezius myalgia and in this case, physiotherapy is helpful as well.
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General and Family Physicianhigher
Thoracic outlet syndrome may be a possible cause of your symptoms.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to Ask a Doctor service,
Very likely you are having thoracic outlet syndrome. This is a condition due to compression of the nerves and blood vessels that come out in the area. The pain and swelling and in some cases even skin color changes may be triggered by certain activities and driving is one of them.
Generally, examinations come out normal (CT scan) unless there is an extra cervical rib (a structure that may add pressure on the nerves and blood vessels). It is good you had the CT scan to rule out other structural conditions as thoracic outlet syndrome is considered after structural problems are ruled out.
To conclude:
- I would recommend you to talk with your doctor on the chance of you having thoracic outlet syndrome.
- you will need a good physical examination and in rare cases and ultrasound or EMG.
- physiotherapy is the first line of treatment
- if no enough improvement is noticed with physiotherapy, surgical intervention may be indicated.
- another possible diagnosis to consider is trapezius myalgia and in this case, physiotherapy is helpful as well.
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General and Family Physicianhigher
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
This did not start until after I had a heart attack. Would that have anything to do with it? Also, my neck makes a grinding noise when I move my head. It has done this for many years. Would that have anything to do with it?
Brief Answer:
Detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,
Thank you for your reply.
None of the mentioned conditions above are related to heart attacks.
The grinding noise in the neck may be due to tight muscles which may happen with both the conditions (thoracic outlet syndrome and trapezius myalgia).
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General and Family Physicianhigher
Detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,
Thank you for your reply.
None of the mentioned conditions above are related to heart attacks.
The grinding noise in the neck may be due to tight muscles which may happen with both the conditions (thoracic outlet syndrome and trapezius myalgia).
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General and Family Physicianhigher
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
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