Pain in the shoulder!

alli · 11-25-2008, 05:13 PM

I'll start by saying I already have an appointment with my Doctor next week. I'm not looking for a diagnosis here, but maybe get a few ideas in the meantime!

I've been having severe pain in my shoulder for over a month. When I turn my arm in certain directions, it hurts A LOT. Little things like buckling my seatbelt or pushing myself up off the couch. Just lying down, I have to put a pillow under my arm right below my shoulder for it not to ache. Sometimes it even aches in my hand. However, it doesn't hurt if my arm is not supporting itself & I move it with my other arm. By the end of the day, it aches so bad I could cry.

It is very difficult to not use my arm at all. And I never even did anything to initiate this! No injuries or anything. I was in a minor car accident a couple months ago but I don't really think it's related.

I thought maybe tendonitis but I've had that before & it doesn't feel quite the same, though it was in a different area of my body. My bf suggested a pinched nerve. That would be a problem in the spinal cord but you feel it in a different area right? Has anyone experienced anything like this?

**annie24** · 11-25-2008, 05:20 PM

i've had a lot of back and neck pains. but i have to say, bengay patches really help. try that until you go to the doctor.

alli · 11-25-2008, 05:43 PM

That's a good idea. thanks. Maybe some ice packs, too. I've had it for a while now, I suppose I can wait another week! It certainly hurts though for something that I can't even recall a specific injury to cause it!

**greensleeves** · 11-25-2008, 05:51 PM

I'm going through the exact same thing right now. My doctor thinks it's rheumatoid arthritis because it was initially affecting all joints on both sides of my body for several weeks so I'm on meds for that now and waiting to see a specialist, but now it's mainly my right shoulder and down my arm, elbow, wrist and fingers. Does it feel like it's not only the joints but the bone as well...almost like the bone is on the verge of breaking if you move it the wrong way? I went to close my car trunk yesterday and it felt like the bone between by elbow and shoulder was going to snap. I also have to put my arm on a pillow. I'm lucky that I'm a lefty...it must be very hard for you if you're right handed.

I wish I had an answer for you, but I think the best thing you can do is go and see your doctor. It could be so many things, arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, inflamation, etc. You're too young for it to be due to typical wear and tear. The car accident could have caused an injury that you weren't aware of right away and if scar tissue forms it can cause further problems. If it's already been going on for a month you really should get it checked out and maybe x-rayed. The longer you wait, the worse it could get.

alli · 11-25-2008, 05:59 PM

For a short period of time (about a day) I felt like I was starting to get it in my left arm, too. But then it went away.

I can't say that it feels like the bone is going to break, but when I hold my arm out in front of me at an L shape & try to bend my arm at the elbow, I just can't do it.

I am right handed which definitely doesn't help!

I should have gone to the Dr sooner but sometimes I feel like I rush to the Dr too quick when things usually resolve on their own. But it's not resolving itself this time!

I hope we both find out what's wrong with us! Thanks for your response.

11-25-2008, 05:13 PM	#1
alli Offline Platinum Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Gender: Female Age: 25 Posts: 2,359	Pain in the shoulder! I'll start by saying I already have an appointment with my Doctor next week. I'm not looking for a diagnosis here, but maybe get a few ideas in the meantime! I've been having severe pain in my shoulder for over a month. When I turn my arm in certain directions, it hurts A LOT. Little things like buckling my seatbelt or pushing myself up off the couch. Just lying down, I have to put a pillow under my arm right below my shoulder for it not to ache. Sometimes it even aches in my hand. However, it doesn't hurt if my arm is not supporting itself & I move it with my other arm. By the end of the day, it aches so bad I could cry. It is very difficult to not use my arm at all. And I never even did anything to initiate this! No injuries or anything. I was in a minor car accident a couple months ago but I don't really think it's related. I thought maybe tendonitis but I've had that before & it doesn't feel quite the same, though it was in a different area of my body. My bf suggested a pinched nerve. That would be a problem in the spinal cord but you feel it in a different area right? Has anyone experienced anything like this?

11-25-2008, 05:51 PM	#4
greensleeves Online Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2007 Gender: Female Posts: 2,941	I'm going through the exact same thing right now. My doctor thinks it's rheumatoid arthritis because it was initially affecting all joints on both sides of my body for several weeks so I'm on meds for that now and waiting to see a specialist, but now it's mainly my right shoulder and down my arm, elbow, wrist and fingers. Does it feel like it's not only the joints but the bone as well...almost like the bone is on the verge of breaking if you move it the wrong way? I went to close my car trunk yesterday and it felt like the bone between by elbow and shoulder was going to snap. I also have to put my arm on a pillow. I'm lucky that I'm a lefty...it must be very hard for you if you're right handed. I wish I had an answer for you, but I think the best thing you can do is go and see your doctor. It could be so many things, arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, inflamation, etc. You're too young for it to be due to typical wear and tear. The car accident could have caused an injury that you weren't aware of right away and if scar tissue forms it can cause further problems. If it's already been going on for a month you really should get it checked out and maybe x-rayed. The longer you wait, the worse it could get. __________________ Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them. Dalai Lama

11-25-2008, 05:20 PM	#2
annie24 Offline Super Moderator Join Date: Oct 2004 Age: 29 Posts: 26,827	i've had a lot of back and neck pains. but i have to say, bengay patches really help. try that until you go to the doctor.

11-25-2008, 05:43 PM	#3
alli Offline Platinum Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Gender: Female Age: 25 Posts: 2,359	That's a good idea. thanks. Maybe some ice packs, too. I've had it for a while now, I suppose I can wait another week! It certainly hurts though for something that I can't even recall a specific injury to cause it!

11-25-2008, 05:59 PM	#5
alli Offline Platinum Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Gender: Female Age: 25 Posts: 2,359	For a short period of time (about a day) I felt like I was starting to get it in my left arm, too. But then it went away. I can't say that it feels like the bone is going to break, but when I hold my arm out in front of me at an L shape & try to bend my arm at the elbow, I just can't do it. I am right handed which definitely doesn't help! I should have gone to the Dr sooner but sometimes I feel like I rush to the Dr too quick when things usually resolve on their own. But it's not resolving itself this time! I hope we both find out what's wrong with us! Thanks for your response.