Finished Rads now Shoulder pain

Labtech47

Hi, I finished 35 Rads July 28th. Skin has heeled up fantastic, but I am having shoulder pain in my radiated breast side. When I move my arm up or down or even turn at the wrist my shoulder clicks and crunches at the joint. It even feels like it catches once in a while too. This is new and started about a week ago but seems to be getting worse. Is this something that will go away? Is this a normal radiation side effect?

Thanks for you help

gb2115

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I don't know if it's normal... but I have had shoulder pain too since partway through rads (finished February). Mentioned it to the rad onc during rads and she said unrelated to rads and said it sounded like a pinched nerve in my neck. Mentioned it to the MO in April who was sympathetic but didn't offer advice other than get it moving.

It comes and goes but isn't too awful unless I overuse my arm, then it gets shooting pain and my pinky and ring finger get tingly. If I rest it, it gets better. If I rest it too much it hurts more, so I try to do arm exercises daily. I do have a constant mild soreness under my collarbone...been there since during rads.

I had my supraclavicular nodes radiated which I think is the root of my problems...did you get rads to that area too? Sometimes there is a crinkly sound when I move the shoulder.

I see radiation for follow up soon, so I plan to ask again but honestly they are unlikely to help. For radiation side effects I am unfortunately on my own.

When is your next follow up? I would ask them

alz

Hi! I was wondering if your shoulder pain and clicking went away? I am having the same problem after rads, and it has been already a year and it is not going away. My shoulders also became uneven, with radiated side being higher than non irraidated side. Thank you.

moth

alz, this is a very old thread so OP might not see it.

but for any shoulder impingement following radiation or breast surgery I suggest seeking out an accredited physiotherapist. My cancer agency has physio that they refer to and they prescribed specific stretches and exercises to increase mobility and range of motion. It's not a fast fix and requires doing all the exercises which sucks. I also find I have to keep on doing them at regular intervals to maintain the mobility or it starts regressing.

alz

Moth, thank you so much for replying! I did try months and months of physical therapy, massage, stretching etc. No help whatsoever. Getting worried that it is here to stay.

moth

alz, in that case I would raise it with your provider. You might need a referral to ortho or another specialist. I hope you find a solution!