What causes severe shoulder pain after an electric shock?
Patient: I had gotten shocked from the neutral of a 277 vac circuit at work about a month ago. The electricity entered my right fore finger and exited my left thumb. The burn on the finger is almost healed the thumb was more severe and is still a little raw. I was experiencing severe pain in my left shoulder and intermittently in my left elbow to shoulder. The shoulder had the most pain in something they called the arch of pain. I have virtually no pain lowering my arm but still when I lift it. I have had xrays and currently go to physical therapy twice a week. Now I am experiencing intermittent burning and or shooting pain from elbow to shoulder and also every now and then a pain in the lower back radiating across my but. Since this happened at work and workman s comp is covering the medical care, Is there something else I should ask them to check or is there something else I should do like pay for a second oppinion.? Doctor: Hello, I have studied your case. Shock can lead to sudden jerk to spine leading to disc bulge.Due to compression of nerve root there can be pain in shoulder and fingers.Also there can be large disc bulge which is compressing over spinal cord.I will advise you clinical examination and accordingly investigation like MRI cervical spine or shoulder will help.For these symptoms analgesic and neurotropic medication like pregabalin can be started consulting your doctor.Till time, avoid lifting weights. You can consult physiotherapist for help.Physiotherapy like ultrasound and interferential therapy will give you relief.I will advise to check your vit B12 and vit D3 level.Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries. Wishing you good health.Take care.