Can I recover completely from the chronic pain that radiates to the clavicle and skull base after a shoulder injury?

Question

Hello doctor,

I injured my left shoulder about a year ago and have never fully recovered. I hurt my nack while moving the lawn, and the pain has persisted for over a year. So I have been taking Panadol for this. The pain travels up my neck and across my clavicle to the base of my skull. It could be throbbing or stabbing. I can not lift my left arm above my head, and my strength in that arm is not what it used to be. It sometimes makes me panic, and I have heart problems. I work long hours and have not been to the doctor because they are closed when I get off work. Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

This is most likely due to cervical pain due to the compression of nerves between the spine. It does not appear to be a cardiac problem. Is there any tingling or numbness in the arm, and does the pain worsen with arm movement? You should get an X-ray of your cervical spine, anterior-posterior (AP), lateral (LAT) view, and possibly an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).

I hope this will help you out, and please let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you.