Shoulder Pain: Who to see: Ortho Doctor, Neurologist, Neurosurgeon

[Osgoodie]

I've had my rotator cuff repaired, distal clavicle resection and labrum debridement.  My shoulder still hurts.  The scapula sticks out and snaps, the trapezius is a knot on the top and has a zinging feeling in the lower portion.  Have had lots of pt (3 years worth) and just finished a course of trigger point injections to no avail.  My ortho doc., who did the surgery and is wonderful, said there are no easy solutions to the snapping scapula.  I think my shoulder problems might be coming from my cervical spine.  I live in a small town and am willing to go to the city to get the cream of the crop to look at my shoulder but to whom do I go?  Another Orthopedic surgeon, a neurologist or a neurosurgeon.  I don't really understand the clincial differences between the later.  I had an MRI of my shoulder before surgery last year but have not had one of my neck.  Advice?  Txs

[kitty katt22]

hello everyone,

i am having shoulder problems as well. i had arthroscopic subchromial decompression sugery as well as my capsule tightned in august. i was okay for a few months then when i returned to work agian in december it just got worst. when my arm is elevated and not supported i got sharp pains around my rotatar cuff. the pain somtimes runs down into my wrist (dorsal area). even when i am just sitting resting i will get the same pain. same when i have my arm on the steering wheel. i can't imagine having surgery again right now, but i also can't imagine feeling this way for ever. ii also get pains in my neck alot. always wondered too if it was part of the culprit. i would definitely suggest getting an mri on your neck. not that it is any of my bussiness, but how did all this start? did this happen at work? my problem started at work over a year ago. i am finally getting a comp. lawyer. i kick myself i nthe seat for not getting one soon like everyone told me to. if the case is the same for you, you really should get a lawyer. it does not cost anything for a lawyer, and he will advise you on what your right are so that you do not get screwed. please resond back soon.thanks,
kitty katt22

[activechick]

Hey, is sure sounds like you've been through the wringer.  It also sounds like you have a soft-tissue problem, not a bone problem.

Have you ever heard of a treatment called ASTYM?  It is designed to help chronic soft-tissue injury, and may just be the ticket for you to smooth out everything w/out resorting to surgery again.

I've had ASTYM twice, and it really worked.  You have to find a certified provider, which you can do if you go on the Web and look for the ASTYM site.  Oh, and my insurance paid for it.

Good luck!

[Bobbie33]

Hello Osgoodie,

I have the same problem with scapula (shoulder muslce, always swollen). It comes from the neck, vertebra C5. If you have any chance, try to do MRI of all your neck. From C5 is coming one nerve, going over shoulder to the shoulder joint.

Good luck, Ms.Bobbie, Slovenia

[shannonwooten]

Im not a professional but... I would say go to a ortho and ask if he could help you or recommend you to a neurologist or surgeon