Differential Diagnosis for Shoulder Pain and Numbness after Stretching
- Single most likely diagnosis:
- Muscle Strain: This is the most likely diagnosis due to the onset of pain and numbness after stretching, which can cause micro-tears in the muscles or tendons, leading to inflammation and discomfort.
- Other Likely diagnoses:
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons, which can occur due to overstretching or repetitive strain, leading to pain and numbness in the shoulder.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints and reduce friction, can cause pain and numbness in the shoulder after stretching.
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Compression of the nerves and blood vessels between the neck and shoulder can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the shoulder and arm, which may be exacerbated by stretching.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.):
- Heart Attack or Angina: Although less common, shoulder pain can be a referred symptom of a heart attack or angina, especially if the pain is accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness.
- Spinal Cord Injury: Trauma to the spinal cord, such as herniated discs or spinal fractures, can cause numbness, tingling, and pain in the shoulder and arm, and requires immediate medical attention.
- Rare diagnoses:
- Brachial Plexus Injury: A rare injury to the network of nerves that conduct signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand, which can cause numbness, tingling, and pain in the shoulder and arm.
- Pancoast Tumor: A rare type of lung cancer that can cause shoulder pain and numbness due to compression of the nerves and blood vessels in the thoracic outlet.