Shoulder pain.

My shoulder has been acting up lately. Been a month maybe but a couple weeks back I noticed that when I move a certain way it feels likes its grinding right underneath my shoulder blade. and it pops as well. Neck pain for quite some time. I will have this really intense sharp pains travel from my neck down my left arm. and its happened down my chest to stomach before. Occasionally my arm will go numb and I will stretch out or move my arm a certain way and it goes away. And it feels really tight in my upper chest and in my intercostals. I have experienced intercostals spasms before which is the worst pain ever! Im 21 been tested for arthritis since my mom's ccp finally came back positive. But i was negative. DRs appt next monday. but any one know whats up?

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Well, without a clinical evaluation it would be difficult to determine the cause of your symptoms. Possibilities include shoulder subluxation/ dislocation, injuries to muscles/ ligaments/ tendons etc., nerve impingement/ compression, capsulitis, bursitis, tendonitis, arthritis, periostitis etc. It would be best to get this evaluated by an orthopedician for an accurate diagnosis. Depending on the cause, a management plan can be drafted accordingly. Meanwhile you may try some tylenol/ OTC NSAIDS for relief.
Hope this was helpful.

Take care!