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Shoulder pain relieved by root canal
1Department of Neurology, New York University Medical Center, NY, USA.
Neurology
|November 14, 2001
Summary
A tooth root canal treatment unexpectedly resolved chronic shoulder pain in a 73-year-old man. This dental intervention led to complete pain relief, with no recurrence over six months.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Dentistry
- Pain Management
Background:
- Chronic shoulder pain significantly impacts quality of life.
- Referred pain can originate from various anatomical sources.
Observation:
- A 73-year-old male presented with a 6-month history of moderate to severe shoulder pain.
- The patient had undergone root canal therapy on a premolar tooth ipsilateral to the affected shoulder.
Findings:
- The shoulder pain resolved suddenly and completely following the dental procedure.
- The patient experienced sustained pain relief for at least six months post-treatment.
Implications:
- This case suggests a potential link between dental pathology and shoulder pain.
- Further investigation into referred pain mechanisms from dental origins is warranted.
- Dental treatment may offer an alternative therapeutic approach for specific cases of idiopathic shoulder pain.