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Shoulder Bursitis (symptom, not cause?)

Posted , 4 users are following.

Tallgirl777
Tallgirl777

I've had neck and shoulder problems for about ten years. I've recently left a psychologically abusive relationship, which is why I didn't get it treated sooner.

After a thorough sonogram by a sonogram technician, my GP looked at the sonogram results and has dianosed me as having mild bursitis.

My GP didn't perform any sort of manual exam or range-of-motion tests. He didn't draw fluid to test for an infection. Based on the sonogram, he set me up for a cortisone shot followed by physical therapy.

I'm wondering if it's reasonably likely there could be some other problem, and the bursitis is only a secondary issue. Ten years seems like a long time to have a swollen bursa without it clearing up on its own.

I don't have any obvious contributatory issues (no arthritis or gout). I haven't had a job in six years, and (while stressful) my living situation has been physically non-demanding for three years.

I want to say that I think my doctor is trying to get me into a treatment plan that will (hopefully) reduce my pain as quickly as possible. I'm just concerned that he might be rushing to treating the sympto1ms before determining the cause.

I have pain in my right shoulder and neck. This pain includes intermittent tingling in my right fingers, intermittent swelling in my right wrist, pain and stiffness in the muscles (front and back) that attach at the shoulder, pain in the back of my neck, pain in a long thin muscle between my shoulder and clavicle, and pain in a "c" behind the back of my neck. In general, there's no pain after I wake up and it gradually increases through the day. When I go to lie down to sleeo, I feel nerve twinges as I adjust my head on my pillow. By the time I wake up, everyting is back to normal and there's no pain or swelling.

COuld this be a simple swollen bursa that never healed itself, or would the length of time indicate there could be some underlying cause my GP didn't investigate?

1 like, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • scrapbooker56
    scrapbooker56 Tallgirl777

    Posted

    Most doctors start off with a steroid shot. I've had shoulder issues for 17 years. Most times the shot gave me relief for quite a while. After a point, they will not continue with the shots. Then I had a MRI. Which led me to now being 4 weeks post op for torn rotater cuff, torn bicep and bone spur. I think I let it go for too long. My advice is to get the shot and give that a few weeks to see if you feel better.My first shot lasted 5 years before I had issues again.

  • ricochetred
    ricochetred Tallgirl777

    Posted

    there can be multiple issues going on. A cortisone shot might help. have you had any therapy to address posture, strength, stretching?  That would be a good place to start. 

     

  • henpen1980
    henpen1980 Tallgirl777

    Posted

    How have you been managing the pain?  What helps?   "By the time I wake up, everything is back to normal and there's no pain or swelling."  Is an encouraging statement.  How have you been to a physical or occupational therapist for evaluation?  Are you managing the relationship issues and variables?  Keep up chin up!  good luck!

    • Tallgirl777
      Tallgirl777 henpen1980

      Posted

      I don't do anything for the pain. I just wait out each day.

      I've only been evaluated, no treatment so far. My first cortisone shot will be later today and then I return to the doctor for the physical therapy referral.

      I don't have any contact with my abuser and I'm doing my best to manage my PTSD and depression (with medication and therapy). Thank you for the good wishes.

  • luz02964
    luz02964 Tallgirl777

    Posted

    In my opinion as a operating toom theatre nurse in Spine surgeries, I think you should have been referred to a Neurologist or a Spine/Neuro surgeon especially with the neck pain and tingling of fingers. You might have referred pain to your shoulder and clavicle which is actually coming from your neck. Or referred to a Rheumatologist after the result of the sonogram of your shoulder if your GP think you have a bursitis. I would say that specialist will be the one who can evaluate well what you are experiencing through blood test also and not just from xray ir sonogram. If this will be confirmed, then that specialist will be tge one to plan your treatment. I strongly advise you, if I may, to request for referral to see an specialist.
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