Pain in arm after flu shot

Oh my gosh, I thought I was going crazy...and I think my doctor did too. I received the flu shot in Sept. 2009 and it's the beginning of December and my left shoulder is still in pain from the flu shot. The pain actually radiates down my bicep tendon and up to my neck. I told the doctor that the nurse hit it too high. I've had a cortizone injection, painkillers, sleeping meds...all to alleviate some of the pain. I barely have movement in my arm. Very debilitating. I'm getting medical massages, chiropractor and therapy and nothing helps. Help?

I had a flu shot three weeks ago and the muscle is still sore to the touch. I do a lot of push ups and it is almost too painful to do this. This is my first flu shot and I have been reading that this type of pain is unusual. I have also experienced allergic type respiratory symptoms. Is there anyone else out there that has had this?

You should look into the possibility of potential Thorasic Outlet Syndrome (TOS). Google it and see that you think, it's worth a try!
All the best

Well.....at least I am not the only one; The loss of movement without pain when trying to take a shower, comb my hair, apply deodorant, pull a shirt over my head (forget trying that), and trying to get one good night's sleep for the past 3 weeks is just about impossible. I am on muscle relaxants and pain medication, and am trying to push-through the pain just to keep it from getting even stiffer and worse than it is already.
I am trying every imaginable road to relief including alternating hot and cold packs, but no good so far.

I will post again when, and if anything improves.

Beej

Thanks for your share anonymous. I had a really bad one last year and it was the same, way too high on the arm. This year was smooth sailing. Same nurse too which is odd but I am so glad since I had a very sore arm for a long time too last year. I think it lasted about a month.

Good luck, hope you feel better soon.

Oh my...glad I am not the only one. But sorry there are so many people out there giving the shots wrong! I am 31 and got my flu shot on Oct 13 2009 at a health fair at work. When the tech gave me the shot I immediately felt the pain of him hitting my bone. When I looked at the injection site I noticed that it was at the very top of my arm at the shoulder. Way to high. When I got back to my desk I showed everyone and they were all shocked at where they administered the shot. At first it was just dull annoying pain in the center of my arm from top to bottom that I could ignore. I just assumed maybe he hit a nerve and that it would go away after a few days. Well 3 weeks later I can barely lift my arm or apply any pressure to that arm. The pain is unreal. It seems to be getting worse and not better!! I cant move my arm, or even let it hang at my side, without it hurting. I find myslef holding my arm as if it was in a sling to relieve the pain. I have tried hot compresses but doesnt really help. I read on one site that a lady ended up getting bursitis from the shot going into her joint. If this continues I will probably see my dr.

Same problem. I received my flu shot in September 2009 (almost 2 months ago) and still have a very sore arm; can't lift my arm over my head; hurts to sleep on it; difficulty taking off shirts, etc. I did go to the doctor about 3 weeks ago and he said that the needle most likely damaged (or destroyed) the nerve ending. Nerve endings are apparently very slow to grow back. He recommended ibuprofen (Advil) and said there's not much more he can do. He did say to come back if it gets worse or spreads. I'm not sure it's getting worse, but it certainly isn't getting any better. I hope a doctor can comment on these posts. Seems like a lot of us are having the same problem. I just hope it's not permanent.

I have the same problem in my shoulder! I received my flu shot 2 1/2 weeks ago and also noticed that the nurse seemed to administer the shot very high up on my arm. I have young children and I am finding it difficult to go about daily tasks. The pain also radiates into my back and when I take a deep breath I feel sore all along the middle of my back. I think I might want to see a doctor about this. It just feels like it is getting worse.