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Pain in arm after flu shot

September 16, 2009 - 8:00pm 3364 reads 26 comments

I had a flu shot Sept. 2008 and remember it hurt when given. Since then I have pain in my upper arm and shoulder (it's now been a year). I believe it is nerve damage from the needle going to deep. I have had an MRI. meds and now going to Chiro with no relief. I cant't put my arm behind my back or lift it over my head and forget about putting weight on it. Does anyone know of relief for this condition?

Thanks

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Diane Porter

Hi, Ouch2. Welcome, and thanks so much for your question.

I'm so sorry you've dealt with this pain for so long. You are not alone -- in fact, EmpowHer has an entire thread of conversation between those who have experienced the same thing:

http://www.empowher.com/community/ask/it-normal-my-arm-muscle-my-shoulde...

Are your doctors sympathetic? Do they believe your symptoms?

Anonymous

I am having the same problem after having the flu shot a month ago and it's not getting any better. I have had the flu shot many times before and never had a problem. I have trouble sleeping, getting dress and doing everthing really! I have taken pain meds. such as motrin and tylenol. Does anyone have any suggestions. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rhonda

Anonymous

I got the flu shot at work approx 2 weeks ago and noticed the shot was very high on my arm. after injection there was pain in my shoulder joint that lessened after several minutes but that night my joint became warm and increasingly painful with movement. I have been taking ibuprofen that gets me through the day but at night the pain can get very severe and involves my shoulder and radiates into my upper arm and elbow. In the morning the joint is very stiff. My theory is that the shot was placed intra articular and as a result I am experiencing an inflammatory response. Ibuprofen does help but when it wears off the pain is significant. I am wondering if anyone has had this happen and for how long I can anticipate the pain to last?

Anonymous

I have received a flu shot into my left arm/shoulder about four weeks ago and I am still hurting. Especially at nights I wake up numerous times finding myself in pain. I can barely get dressed in the morning. I did bring it to my employers attention that I have been in pain since the flu shot. They just told me to apply heat and to take ibuprofen. I am very active and can't wait for the pain to go away.

brandiwine

Try applying ice verses the heat; heat brings blood flow to that area and the ice will decrease the inflamation

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NextCare Flu Shot Clinic

Provided by NextCare Urgent Care

NextCare Urgent Care (www.nextcare.com) has announced that it will provide flu shots this fall at all its clinic locations including Arizona, Colorado, Texas, Georgia, Virginia and North Carolina for $25.

When:
December 8, 2009, 8:00am - 8:00pm
Where:
NextCare Urgent Care - Tucson - Pima/Wilmot
6238 East Pima St.
Tucson, AZ  85712