What is wrong with my shoulder?

Question:

I have a problem with my left shoulder. I dont recall actually doing anything to hurt it. However, Im having ALOT of pain in it. I cannot lift my arm at all or I have extreme pain. I can bend my elbow and move my forearm but I cannot lift my arm in any way or I experience this pain. I can shrug my shoulders without any pain. It seems to be related to my arm but the pain is in my shoulder. Any ideas what it could be? I am really impaired by this. I cant dress/undress or wash/dry my hair. What is it??

Answers:
Sounds like to me that you need to see about getting to the doctor. It is possible that you have torn your rotator cuff or perhaps it is just a really bad case of arthritis. Either way you will need to seek medical attention to help make this problem better.

Yeah, you need to se either a neurologist or an orthopedic surgeon.
It sounds like either a rotator cuff injury, arthritis, or a pinched nerve.

For now, keep plenty of ibuprofin in you and try either a heating pad or cold pack (whatever works best for you.), try alternating too.

Good luck hon!
Sheena

Your rotary cuff is damaged. If you do not experience any relief ever, then I would advise you to get a XRAY immediately. A torn rotary cuff is very painful, and you will not be able to lift your arm above the waist ever until it is repaired. If you experience bouts of pain and then it may go away for awhile, then it is not torn and does not require surgery, it will heal on its own but it takes a long time. I have had the very same problem for 2 years now. But mine does go away at times. But it is so weird isn't it? you cannot lift that arm above the waist, i totally freaked the first time. Hope all turns out well for you. I know alot about pain management as I am in the Nursing field and I am a Pain clinic patient. So feel free to ask me anything about pain management. After 10 years suffering from a Degenerative Spine Disorder, Im a real pro!!!

Sounds like you have a frozen shoulder. Frozen shoulder is the term used to describe a stiff shoulder joint that has temporarily lost its full range of motion. The stiffening is the body's natural response to inflammation occurring in or near the shoulder. It is a protective reflex to guard against further inflammation. Reaching overhead and reaching to the low back are the most common impaired movements.

In most cases the condition is totally reversible, although full recovery may take several months. Physical therapy stretching exercises are the treatments of choice for frozen shoulder.

Try moist heat (hot showers) and some gentle stretches. You might want to see a physical therapist for most specific exercises.

It could be bursitis, but only your doctor can tell you for sure.

What is wrong with my shoulder?

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