shoulder

10 Months ago i took a bad fall with my left  arm..it felt like my shoulder dislocated. The pain was terrible. I did see an orthopedic and had x-rays that came out with nothing. Was told that had there been any dark shadows then they would look more deeply. Was given painkillers and cream. Pain is still there and cant raise my arm over my head or put the arm at the back and grabbing my right hand. At night i wake up in pain. Sudden movements gives me pain that has me in tears. I work as a waitress and need the use of my left arm. What else can i do..i need help and fast!!

[Michael L Gross, MD]

You may have experienced a shoulder subluxation, that is when the shoulder comes to the edge of the socket, and then slides back in.  Sort of a "near" dislocation. Alternatively, you may have completely dislocated your shoulder, and it popped back in, reduced, on its own.  Either way, an X-ray would not have shown any pathology, since there is no bony injury involved.
In addition, dislocations in patients over 40 years of age are frequently accompanied by rotator cuff tears.  The symptoms here would be continued pain and an inability to raise or use your arm without pain or weakness.
Either way, a second visit to the orthopedist is advised at this point.  After a thorough examination, i think an MRI arthrogram would be very helpful

[Jaana198]

I thank you for your reply. It has been in my thoughts to insist for an MRI but from previous experienses i found that this is the last action they would take.
When i press on a certain point in my shoulder i have pain(at the side,just where the armpit starts) Yes it is time for another visit.