HELP: Right Shoulder and Neck Pain (comes and goes)

For the past 3 years I have been having pain off and on in my right shoulder. When it gets really bad I have sharp pain in my neck. I have seen countless doctors and had an MRI (which showed nothing). I don't know what to do. My pain is very weird in that I can go months without any pain and then it will slowly start. When its bad I can't life my arm very high, have off and on sharp neck pains and occasionally pain down my arm. I'm really not sure what triggers these pains. Friends think it could be stress or an activity I do with my shoulder. Anyone out there experience the same thing? I did have one PT tell me my muscles need strengthen. I'm a young 27 year old female...I shouldn't be having such pain. :(

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Well, without a clinical evaluation it would be difficult to determine the cause of your symptoms. Possibilities that may need to be considered include infections/ inflammations, bursitis, tendonitis, arthritis, capsulitis, ligament/ tendon tears, growths/ tumours, nerve impingement, avascular necrosis, fractures, dislocations, etc. I would suggest getting this evaluated by an orthopedician for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. Meanwhile you may try some tylenol/ OTC NSAIDS and see if these are helpful for pain relief.
Hope this helps.

Take care!