I’m a 50 year old male in good health and never been hospitalized. About 6 days ago I was having trouble raising my right arm over my head. I realized I couldn’t even flex my bicep, and I couldn’t raise the arm at all. A week before that my right shoulder was aching near my neck, not severely, but it made it hard to sleep. That went away, but now my bicep doesn’t work. There is some burning on the right shoulder, and some minor pain, maybe since other muscles get more use. I work in shipping/receiving and do some occasional heavy lifting, but not for prolonged periods. I probably hurt my shoulder at work. I just started the job permanantly, and won’t have insurance for 60 days. I’m flat broke, but it seems I’ll have to go to the doctor. ?
So after 6 days it seems unchanged, no better and no worse. My lower arm and hand work fine, it’s just the bicep, but it’s very difficult since I’m right handed and I use my arms a lot at work. Since it doesn’t hurt that much, could it be nerve damage? Is there any chance this will heal itself, or should I get to the doctor right away? I don’t know where to start. Thank you.

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Dr. Joshua’s Answer

Sounds like you will have to see a doctor before the 60 days period is over. You are correct that your symptoms suggest nerve damage. There are various possible causes. The nerve that supplies the biceps muscle is called? the musculocutaneus nerve.? Entrapment of this nerve is rare, but it’s a possibility.? Stretch injury? to this nerve may occur during exertion, extreme movements, or shoulder dislocation.? Above the shoulder level, the brachial plexus is a collection of nerves that may be injured by various mechanisms. One? possibility is? C5-C6 cervical spine disc herniation, or some other process in the cervical spine compressing the C6 nerve root on the right. Is there any numbness/tingling, especially in the thumb? Also, nerve tumors, such as neurinoma,? although rare,? are a? possibility.

As you see, there are many possible reasons for your symptoms. The bottom line is that biceps function is lost and this needs to be evaluated by a doctor. Maybe you could talk to your employer and see if they are flexible about the 60-day rule? If not, you need to see the doctor anyway. An orthopedic surgeon or a neurosurgeon? will be able to help you. In order to save money, shop around, contact the local health care providers, explain them your symptoms and try to get an appointment right away with someone who has expertise in this sort of thing.