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Deltoid and shoulder pain after shingles vaccine

I am a 60 year old woman who just had a physical and was advised by my physician to get the shingles vaccine. I am in good health and work out at the gym at least 5 times a week. I had no problems until after this injection. I questioned how high the injection site was (I am a nurse) but it was too late. I felt the normal bit of discomfort after the injection but that discomfort has now escalated to dull pain at rest and extreme pain during any type of lifting, particularly over my head, and noticeably uncomfortable while performing a task such as driving. I have tried to keep up with my workouts at the gym but it has just become too painful. I take Advil daily and often with no real relief. I tried to get an appointment to see my doctor and cannot see her until October! I received the injection on the 18th of April. Other stats are that I am 5'6" and weigh 121 pounds. I am only allergic to PCN. Will this pain eventually subside or am I risking it getting worse by not tending to it? Please advise. Thank you for your time.
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Avatar universal
Hi, I had the second dose to the newest shingles shot in July. My arm is a wreck still. I can't move it over my head without a good amount of pain. If I sleep on that side it hurts the next day. The pain is surprisingly bad. I spoke to my doctor and he said he had never heard of anyone else with a reaction like mine. But, the did say shingles affects the nerves so it makes since the pain would be as I described. I am praying it will heal over time. I am 51 and in good shape.  
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5 Comments
Wow, that's intense after a simple vaccine.  I have had bad reactions to various things. The tet shot caused me to have a reactive lymph node.  It bulged to golf ball size, I kid you not on the side of my neck.  I've had pain at site of injection for that too.  I've not had the shingles vaccine though. I have read that joint and muscle pain are a side effect of that vaccine.  When did you have the vaccine --  how long has this been going on?
I had my second shingles injection in August.  It hurt much worse than any other injection. I too am a nurse and could not believe the pain.  I had no reaction to the first injection in April and it did not hurt anymore than any immunization.  This time my deltoid was sore for 4-5 days but got better, then it began to be painful off and on when raising my arm or extending it behind me.  It has now progressed to happening more often and for longer periods, even when at rest. Was there nerve damage during the injection?  If so, will it eventually regenerate or am I just stuck with this?
Are you better now? I’m having same issues.
Hey Rita132.  Start your own thread and we'll try to help you!  Explain your situation and we'll go from there.  
Rita132. What is your current pain/relief status?
351246 tn?1379682132
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi!
Some pain and bruising is expected at the injection site and usually settles down in a day or two. Sometimes the pain can be due to a nerve or muscle injury. Please stop all workouts where you use the arm with the injection site. Give rest to the arm. Use a pain killer. Some cold compress may also help, though it has been some time. Please see your doctor as soon as you can or get it checked somewhere. Take care!

The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
Very similar problem.
Range of motion is mostly unimpaired, BUT I must use the good arm to cycle the painful one.
Normal grip strength but raising the affected arm above horizontal is a big pain, as is simple load-free extension (as in entering the driver's position and trying to reach for the inside door handle to pull it shut)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I had the vaccine approx one month ago and yes, it hurt more than most vaccines. I realize i tensed up before and that is not the best way to receive but the nurse said she had a method to "trick" me somewhat before injecting and i thought the pain that arose in my deltoid the next day would subside BUT - it has not in 1 month. I am not running to my doctor and hope there is no other danger with just accepting the pain which occurs with any sideways arm lift (annual physical in 2 months so i will of course mention it)
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
I am a 80 years old, male, in good shape. I too am experiencing pain in my deltoid muscle, upper right arm nine months after receiving my first shingles shot. Six months after first vac, I returned to VA clinic for second shingles shot, I spoke to nurse regarding pain and she said pain is NOT a result of shingles vac. So I figured the pain is due to bursitis. My second vac was administered to opposite arm; no pain. But after further research, I concluded the pain is due to SPRVAC -- Serious Pain as a Result of Vac. My guess is the needle injured a tendon and/or nerve. The pain radiates to my wrist and fingers and is worse at night. ALEVE and ice are my ONLY temporary pain relief medications or therapy. The worse pain is in the area of where the needle penetrated the muscle. QUESTIONS: Is there a remedy for reducing pain? Will the pain ever go away? Is my scenario like anyone else on this board?
Avatar universal
Betsy2253 I am experiencing the same pain after my second shingles vaccine. I’m curious, how are you now? Did your arm pain go away? How long did it take to subside? Did you do any stretching or exercises that helped?
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Betsy3353: I am curious as to whether you rec'd responses to your questions. Has your pain subsided?
Avatar universal
A lot of vaccines and antivirals have action to increase immune system.   I am dealing with onset of autoimmune following taking antiviral medication.  The only thing I can suggest is overactive inflammatory immune response.  Such would cause lymph nodes to swell or inflammation of tissues.  I would suggest evaluation for autoimmune related nerve pain. There are many autoimmune diseases associated where the immune system turns on the nerves.  That is all I know to tell you.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I also had the shingles vaccine about 6 weeks ago because I have had shingles no never wanted that experience again. I am 60 years old. I got a three inch long lump after the shot then a week later my upper arm and shoulder is painful and it is very painful or raise my arm out to my side. I sure hope this pain goes away soon.
Helpful - 0
757137 tn?1347196453
I hope you get some helpful advice. By the way, some doctors advise vitamin D over the shingles vaccine.
Helpful - 0
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