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Chronic shoulder pain - 22 years old

Posted , 4 users are following.

mj93
mj93

Hello all,

I am writing this as I am simply at a loss as what to do regarding my chronic shoulder pain.

I have been suffering with this pain for as long as I can remember. I remember visiting the hospital as a little girl of about 8 years old, describing “hot spots” on my back. Unsurprisingly the doctor had no clue what I was on about and suggesting some exercises – now I am older (and more articulate), I realise the pain is related to my shoulder, and the burning sensation radiates to my back.

I am now 22 years old and the pain did not stem from any kind of injury (I am not the sporty type!), I really have no real explanation for what it could be. The pain is now unbearable and affects every single aspect of my life.

To give a not-so-brief description of the pain:

- Gets worse at the end of the day

- “crunching” sensation when making circles with my arm

- Feels like the bones are rubbing directly against each other

- It does not only hurt when I try to do something, the pain is constant

- I sleep on the bad side to avoid leaving my shoulder suspended which is even more painful than sleeping on it

- It is a burning sensation more than a sharp stabbing pain

- My shoulder often feels very hot and my fingertips very cold

- Shoulder feels generally very weak

I am unable to drive for long periods because changing gear becomes painful after a while. I cannot do things I used to enjoy such as play the piano as I cannot have my arm suspended. Putting on clothes requires a high level of skill. It also affects my sex-life as there are certain things I cannot do with my partner and we often end up sleeping back to back as I have to sleep on my left side.

I have tried everything – massages, pain killers, you name it. Nothing works. I did have an Xray that looked for Scoliosis but this was all clear. I have not had an MRI or an XRay of my shoulder specifically.

Does anyone have any advice or any idea what could be the problem?

Please help!

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • malcolm84350
    malcolm84350 mj93

    Posted

    Hello , you definitely need a MRI scan on your shoulder , as for the bed , sleep on the other side of the bed , then you will be face to face !
  • sue21470
    sue21470 mj93

    Posted

    I recommend an xray, MRI scan  and ultrasound scan to check bones, muscles and tendons at Hospital. You need a referral to the Consultant for shoulders at your Hospital from your GP. One check also could be for rotator cuff muscle tear or the shoulder capsule may be affected. You may also be recommended futher treatment and or physiotherapy. Do you need to ask for pain relief tablets such as prescribed paracetomol.

    Kind wishes

    Sue

  • amanda18397
    amanda18397 mj93

    Posted

    I would definitely recommend an MRI. I've had shoulder decompression surgery in my left side and it did help a lot with my arm mobility, strength and fatigue.  Seek out a good orthopedic....I've been through 3 and finally have found some answers to my pain. Good luck😉
  • amanda18397
    amanda18397 mj93

    Posted

    Also try sleeping on your back with a very flat pillow or even no pillow. I've found this puts less stress on my shoulders.
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