I think I might have a bit of a problem.

07/15/2006 11:53:50 PM · #1

For about a week now my left arm has been hurting. I woke up about Monday morning of last week with a pain in my inner left armâ�¦felt to be my muscles. It has since gone into my Bicep and shoulderâ�¦they all feel sore and aching. The weird part is I have grown up very active so I know when I am sore from working out or doing extraneous activitiesâ�¦and I had done nothing the days that preceded that morning to warrant such pain from my arm. I donâ��t think it could happen by sleeping on it wrongâ�¦and if it was by some odd chanceâ�¦a week later it shouldnâ��t still be hurting just as bad or worse than when it began, should it? I just donâ��t know what to doâ�¦and I know some might say go to the doctorâ�¦but what can he tell me about my sore musclesâ�¦but what if itâ��s not my muscles at all?? I didnâ��t think much of it at firstâ�¦but now it is starting to worry me. The pain is bearableâ�¦just getting a tad bit annoyingâ�¦just donâ��t want to be ignoring some sign my body is giving me about a larger problem I need help with. Has anyone had these out-of-the-blue pains before? Do I need to go to the doctorâ�¦or just let it take its course?

margiemu

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM

07/15/2006 11:57:28 PM · #2

my husband had serious muscle related problems from spending too much time at the computer. if you are sitting in one position too long, the muslces in your neck and back get cramped, and you can get differed pain down your arms. I don't know if this is the problem you're having, but I'd find someone to give you a really good shoulder and neck and back massage... even if it doesn't help your pain, it will feel good.

RayEthier

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

07/16/2006 12:01:07 AM · #3

Originally posted by TomFoolery:

... Do I need to go to the doctorâ�¦or just let it take its course?

Given the myriads of not so pleasant scenarios that could arise, I would opt to see a doctor. Always remember the old adage: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"

Ray

ShutterPug

Canon EOS-6D

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

07/16/2006 12:02:08 AM · #4

yeah - I second that....you need to come to my house and let me give you a good rub down.

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5- 5.6G ED DX

07/16/2006 12:02:48 AM · #5

I *think* my mom had something like this or similar. She went to the hospital but they couldn't figure out what was wrong.

It worries me more that it's the left side versus the right. It could very well be something serious, and at the very least I'd call a doctor. If it is just sore muscles, I think you're right that there won't be too much to be done for it, but I'd really like to see you not take the chance.

Rebecca

Nikon D80

07/16/2006 12:05:36 AM · #6

Originally posted by TomFoolery:

Since everything in there is connected, it's not uncommon for pain to have that sort of domino effect on surrounding areas. I would consult a chiropractor or a massage therapist before a doctor for something like that. What is a doctor going to do about sore muscles, really? Tell you to take ibuprofin and apply heat, most likely. If it's structural, a good chiropractor will have better tools for dealing with it - things like electric stim, adjustments, massage physical therapy - that a standard medical doctor will not.

Edited to point out that this is my advice ONLY if you're 100% sure that you're not having a mild heart attack.

Message edited by author 2006-07-16 00:06:53.

Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

07/16/2006 12:08:18 AM · #7

Originally posted by karmabreeze:

this is my advice ONLY if you're 100% sure that you're not having a mild heart attack.

There isn't any way to be sure, is there? That has been my understanding at least.

Bosborne

Canon EOS-30D

07/16/2006 12:13:52 AM · #8

Please don't rule out a heart attack. I had a friend that had one at age 24! He is now 44, so...go!

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

07/16/2006 12:14:47 AM · #9

Edit to add: Yes, go to a doctor. That's the best advice!

Message edited by author 2006-07-16 00:32:37.

kari1

Panasonic DMC-FZ20

Panasonic DMW-LTZ10 1.5x Teleconverter

07/16/2006 12:19:44 AM · #10

Strange as it may seem the last place I would go for medical advice is to the photography site. I would go to the doctor and see what they have to say ... it may be something ... it may not ... never hurts to find out ... PS search the web for symptoms .. not the best idea either ... if the doc can help you and tell you what it is great .. if not then start looking.

Just some friendly non medical medical advice from someone with a neuro disorder.

Kari

Bugzeye

Fisher Price Kid-Tough Digital

07/16/2006 12:20:15 AM · #11

Go to the Doctor. You would be surprised what they can figure out with a simple examination. Could be muscles, could be nerves, could even be your heart. No matter what if it hurts get it fixed, Pain Sucks.

Rebecca

Nikon D80

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5- 5.6G ED DX

07/16/2006 12:23:24 AM · #12

Originally posted by klstover:

Originally posted by karmabreeze:
this is my advice ONLY if you're 100% sure that you're not having a mild heart attack.

There isn't any way to be sure, is there? That has been my understanding at least.

It wouldn't typically last a week, as I understand it. Yes, make sure it's not heart related, and then if it is purely muscular/structural, go to a chiropractor.

07/16/2006 12:23:57 AM · #13

*nod* seems to make sense.

07/16/2006 12:30:26 AM · #14

Originally posted by Southern Gentleman:

I'm not doctor but I can tell you about nerves and muscle problems. I have my fair share. A few questions.
1. Where exactly in the left arm?
2. Does the pain radiate up or down?
3. Does it feel like a cramp?
4. Does the pain stay constant while relaxing as it does typing or using your arm.
5. When was the first time you felt the pain(i.e. upon wakening)? and what was it pain level from 1-10 at that time and what is it's pain level now?

1. About where my elbow is but the inside of the arm...the bicep...and the outer shoulder.

2. I think it is going down

3. It feels as if I have done a major workout and maybe even strained the muscles...but that is impossible since I haven't done anything at all.

4. I did some moving today and it actually went away...the more relaxed...and the less I use my arm is when it hurts and aches the most.

5. I felt it when I woke up Monday morning I believe...and it has been around a 4-5 pretty regularly for the past week. That kind of pain is very bearable but for long and extensive periods of time it makes me want to pull my hair out.

And to say something about the last thing you have said...about 7 or 8 years ago I started waking up in the middle of the night and had been sleeping on my arm...the arm was totally numb and paralyzed for about 10 seconds...a few times I bite it to see if I could feel anything...I didn't bite really hard, not that weird...and I couldn't. I have tried my best to sleep on my back but ever so often I will wake up and my arm will be totally gone and I will have to literally pick it up with my other hand to roll over on my back.

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

07/16/2006 12:36:20 AM · #15

Hold your arm out in front of you and bend your elbow so that you hand is up in the air. With the other hand find the depression between your elbow and another bone on the inside of you bicep. Press their and tell me it you feel a pain run down you arm. If so if you hold that spot tell me if you small finger and half you ring finger starts to feel numb.

To give you an idea where I'm talking about. Ulnar never is on the inside facing the body.

Message edited by author 2006-07-16 00:45:22.

DjFenzl

07/16/2006 12:41:52 AM · #16

could be a pinched nerve or carpal tall syndrome.

I wake up in pain almost every day but if it's something unusual I still go to the doctor. It's much better to go and have it be nothing than to not go and have it be something.

Message edited by author 2006-07-16 01:03:40.

07/16/2006 12:51:07 AM · #17

Originally posted by Southern Gentleman:

I felt discomfort but don't know if they are going numb...that feels very faint.

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

07/16/2006 01:03:48 AM · #18

Originally posted by TomFoolery:

Originally posted by Southern Gentleman:
Hold your arm out in front of you and bend your elbow so that you hand is up in the air. With the other hand find the depression between your elbow and another bone on the inside of you bicep. Press their and tell me it you feel a pain run down you arm. If so if you hold that spot tell me if you small finger and half you ring finger starts to feel numb.

I felt discomfort but don't know if they are going numb...that feels very faint.

The reason I asked was because it sound similar to ulnar nerve entrapment. That is where you have pinched you ulnar nerve. It is easily done by resting your elbows or forearms on the desk. I have that problem and it's not fun. The ulnar nerve is the same never that makes you jump up and down when you hit your "funny bone".

If it would have been ulnar damage you would of jumped when you pressed.
Now at the same time I was going to the doctor for that I slipped in the bathroom (not funny!) and hit my arm. Didn't hurt, didn't remember it until a few days later I woke to the worst pain in my right arm like you are describing. After about a week of putting up with it I went to the doctor and was surprised to find I had fractured the head of one of my lower bones in my arm. It was just a hair line fracture but it hurt like an aching tooth ache until they put the cast on. Then it started feeling better because I was not able to agitate it by movement. (six week cast).

I would suggest going to your PCP for evaluation. If s/he is not able to determine the cause and/or rules out anything major then go to an orthopedic doctor. They will do nerve test and xRays, MRIs, or what ever is needed. No PCP could tell me what was going on with my arm until I seen the orthopedic doctor.

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

07/16/2006 01:07:13 AM · #19

Well thanks alot...I'm going to see a doctor as soon as I can...if the pain goes away...I might just let it be...if it still hurts I will go.

Twyla

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

07/16/2006 01:10:36 AM · #20

Originally posted by TomFoolery:

For about a week now my left arm has been hurting. Has anyone had these out-of-the-blue pains before? Do I need to go to the doctorâ�¦or just let it take its course?

I don't know. I have had pains in my general chest area that go into my jaw and pretty well incapacitate me for hours until they fade enough for me to breathe and move normally, but I've been told it is just "growing pains" from chest expansion .... ahem I'm 30 do i really have growing pains in the rib or chest area at that age? ummmm ... doubt it ....
doesn't really answer your question does it?
my opinion: get a second and third opinion before making any decision about treatment.

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

07/16/2006 01:20:31 AM · #21

Originally posted by Twyla:

The symptoms you speak of should send you to the nearest ER for a workup. Those symptoms should be addressed while present and with the proper doctor. Growing pains at 30? I don't think so. But it could be a number of problems from something small to major. I hope you are getting it checked regularly.

wavelength

Nikon D300

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

07/16/2006 01:47:46 AM · #22

Originally posted by Twyla:

[
I don't know. I have had pains in my general chest area that go into my jaw and pretty well incapacitate me for hours until they fade enough for me to breathe and move normally, but I've been told it is just "growing pains" from chest expansion .... ahem I'm 30 do i really have growing pains in the rib or chest area at that age? ummmm ... doubt it ....
doesn't really answer your question does it?
my opinion: get a second and third opinion before making any decision about treatment.

Sounds like the new "female" heart attack symptoms to me....

Tom, not to worry you, and what Scott says makes sense, but I just had a relative with moving pains in their leg, and they had a blood clot. Not good. If the pain move steadily in one direction, don't walk, run to the emergency room.

David.C

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

07/16/2006 03:22:45 AM · #23

Originally posted by karmabreeze:

... I would consult a chiropractor or a massage therapist before a doctor for something like that. What is a doctor going to do about sore muscles, really? Tell you to take ibuprofin and apply heat, most likely. If it's structural, a good chiropractor will have better tools for dealing with it - things like electric stim, adjustments, massage physical therapy - that a standard medical doctor will not. ...

A chiropractor IS a doctor -- a specialist in handling bones and joints and how they can pinch nerves and make muscles tight and sore. A good one will know if it is something beyond the scope of their specialty and refer you to a more appropriate doctor -- with a better understanding of what it could be and what they have ruled out.

I'll put my recommendation in for a chiropractor as well. They are doctors that make you feel good, and generally do so unintrusively and with little to no drugs.

David