Expert: Gerald Anzalone, D.C. - 8/13/2008

Question
I have a really sore right upper arm.  It hurts like crazy while I drive my vehicle or motorcycle but I seem to be able to do normal day to day things around the house almost like it isn't there.  I'm 52 y/O and just retired work.  Healthy person, slim etc.  This is high in the arm almost to the shoulder, inside arm pit area.   No injury history, no sports history.  It hurts so much I can barely drive my car, while driving mostly in pain.  I spend a lot of time typing on the computer.  I am left handed.  I have been known to take long trips on my motorcycle, a good BMW bike, 2 trips of 3-5000 miles last two years.  I can feel nothing unusual on the arm.

Answer
Jim,

The symptoms you describe seem to be consistent with a type of muscular problem known as myofascial trigger point syndrome, specifically in a muscle called the latissimus dorsi:

http://www.mypressureproducts.com/Latissimus_trigger_points.htm

I recommend that you see a chiropractor or a massage therapist who is trained in a manual soft tissue treatment technique known as myofascial trigger point therapy for appropriate evaluation and treatment.

Myofascial trigger points are focal nodules that develop in taut bands of muscle. Trigger points are exquisitely painful, and often refer pain away from the location of the trigger point in consistent and well-defined patterns. Trigger points are filled with metabolic waste from muscle tissue, which produces pain, and they perpetuate a pain-dysfunction-pain cycle within the soft tissues. They often develop as a result of repetitive postures or activities, amongst other causes.

If your problem is due to trigger points, most cases resolve with just a few treatments. Your chiropractor or massage therapist may also be able to show you some appropriate stretching techniques to help avoid this problem in the future.

Other treatment modalities that you might consider include acupuncture and physical therapy.

I hope this answers your question.