Is it normal for my arm muscle in my shoulder to hurt 2 weeks after flu shot?

I'm sorry to hear that others are experiencing the same thing as I, but at the same time, I'm glad I'm not alone.

I got my flu shot on Oct 18th, 2009 at a CVS Minute Clinic in North Austin, TX. Now, two months later, the pain in my right arm is nigh unbearable. It radiates from my shoulder all the way down to my elbow, mimicking rotator-cuff injury. Neither Arthritis-grade painkillers nor muscle relaxers help. The pain has since moved to my left arm as well, though it's not anywhere near as severe there. Sleeping is, needless to say, difficult. Oh, and you haven't truly lived until you've experienced searing arm pain and carpal tunnel flare-up simultaneously ;)

After doing some research, I've realized that the injection site was too-high (apparently, that's quite common). My physician advised me that this is likely a sort of severe allergic reaction*. When I advised him that I am not allergic to eggs, he suggested expensive tests. We thankfully eliminated the dreaded GBS. He's now leaning towards deep tissue bruising and some sort of nerve damage, and suggests my taking up a B vitamin/potassium regimen. Unfortunately, I take Nexium daily, which inhibits absorption of B vitamins through the stomach - so I have to take the liquid drops under the tongue (ugh). I have only just started it, so I cannot tell any difference in the level of pain as yet.

Two other coworkers of mine have had the same problems. I've had all kinds of shots in the past, and none of them have ever affected me like this one has. I don't normally get flu shots. I only got one this year so I could visit my father (who has cancer) over the holidays without having to worry about carrying anything along to him.

I filed a report with the CDC and VAERS. I really hope that this pain doesn't last the additional four months required for a report to HRSA. If and when it does finally abate, I'll be sure to let you know. I hope everyone else here finds some relief.

*If I'm having an allergic reaction, I wouldn't be surprised to find that it was to any one of the many chemical preservatives placed in vaccine to enhance it's shelf-life (basically, these "dirty" flu shots are the equivalent of having an influenza victim smoke a cigarette, then liquefy it in a blender, and inject into your arm). Why aren't they offering "clean" flu shots?!

My husband is going to try massage therapy next week (registered Massage therapist, or RMT in Ontario)
He also has an appointment for ultrashound therapy on Friday. Thank goodness for amazing health plans-it's all covered!

I am going to try and see if I can find an Orthopedic Massage therapist in my area. I am willing to give anything a try. I do know that I am always finding myself massaging my arm, shoulder and neck area. It feels better when I do that. I am thankful the pain is not to bad most days. But then about the time I think oh maybe I have crossed the line and I'm going to get back to normal I will have a flare. By flare I mean the pain will worsen and then I will get sharp stabbing pains. This thread and these posts have been a God send to me though and is what keeps me going. Knowing your not alone makes such a big difference. Thank you Pat for keeping up with us. Your advice and concern means alot to many of us. I will be keeping in touch. ML

Well I think I'm going on 3 months now since I had a pneumonia shot in the left arm and a flu in the right. I still have lots of shoulder pain, especially now on the flu shot side. I have pain when I move my shoulder to the left or right or up. There is pain all the time in my right shoulder. The doctor gave the shot as the nurses weren't able to at the time, way too high I think. I do exercise and have had 2 rounds of steroid pills.

Hello All...I have been following this thread for 2 months. I got my flu shot too high on the arm on Oct.12 and have been in horrible pain and had poor range of motion ever since. With a new baby and other stressors right now, I have not had time to do anything about it except anti-inflammatories and lots of complaining and crying. My pain has had a nerve quality to it with tingling, shooting, aching, etc. I am a nurse and my husband is an emergency room doctor, so I am not against a medical approach but I decided to go to an orthopedic massage therapist for starters. And I am sooo glad I did! She worked on me for 1 hour and 45 minutes and only charged me for the hour. She was sweet and felt so bad for me. As she was working she said, "Oh! I know what's going on!" She wants me to tell all of you that there is hope. She explained like this...when we were given the shot too high on the deltoid it was extremely painful and the deltoid reacted as though it was "under attack". The deltoid and the surrounding muscles contracted to draw the arm in to protect it and pull it out of danger. We probably also started to hold our arms close to the body and even may have drawn the shoulder upwards too. Over time, and it doesn't take long, the muscles can become so tense, tight and contracted that it causes intense pain and these tense muscles can and do put undue pressure on nerves giving us the nerve symptoms such as tingling fingers, shooting pain, etc. The needle does not have to have injured the nerve at all. In fact, the likelihood of that being the case is low because there is not a nerve in that area that the needle would be able to reach. And the same is true of being given the shot in the 'joint'. Not really possible. That all came from my husband, by the way. But back to the massage therapist...she wants me to tell you all to find an orthopedic massage therapist in your area and tell them you need your trigger points released. She said that she has had clients whose muscles were so tight that the shoulder blade was literally plastered to the persons back! Don't let it get so bad. I am amazed at the relief I have already experienced. After 1 massage, I could pull off my shirt and drive with my left arm! Yes, I am still sore in places but she says I was so messed up she needs more time with me. I plan to go weekly for a few visits until I have full recovery. I hope you will all give this a try! Steroids are only a temporary treatment and I know that we all want to get back to our normal selves as soon as possible! Let us know how it goes. Good luck...Jamie from Michigan