Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] I have had pain in my left shoulder and upper arm, and tingling going down my arm. sometimes like today my shoulder feels ok, but have the tingling going down my arm into my thumb. my thumb feels almost numb. this has been going on for a month and a half.
[|AI|]  Hi there. Thanks for your question at ChatDoctorPain in the shoulder and upper arm radiating along the arm associated with numbness suggests compression of nerve in your neck. Analgesics either taken orally as tablets or as local applications in the form gel or lotions can provide considerable pain relief. They have smoothening effect and relive pain most of the time. Also ice gel application can help during the initial few days. If the pain still persists after medications for a week physiotherapy under prescription in the form of neck strengthening exercises, ultrasonic massage can help provided u have no contraindications such therapy. Since your pain and numbness has persisted for an over 6 weeks, I would suggest you to visit your Orthopedic, so that at least a baseline X-ray and thorough examination can be done. Based on these and your response to medicines and physiotherapy, you might require an MRI. MRI can help localize the exact location and the cause for your compression and aid in better management. Disabling numbness and pain persisting for more than 6 weeks is one of the prime indications to get an MRI cervical spine done. Hope this helps squall the best. Regards. Chat Doctor.