Weird Shoulder Problem

[hachieroger]

Hi...I had some neck and shoulder pain recently that was diagnosed as muscle strains/spasms.  I took a muscle relaxer and then went to bed last Thursday night.  I was having a burning pain in my shoulder blade area, so I did some shoulder shrugs/rotations while I was laying on my back in bed and the burning went away so I fell asleep.  I woke up after a short time and my right arm was hanging off the bed and I faintly remember thinking that it felt funny.  I then repositioned my arm and went back to sleep for another short time.  When I got out of bed I couldn't raise my arm much at all and still can't.  My upper arm will move only a couple of inches in any direction, which puts my finger tips about 12 inches from my leg.  However, if I lay down on my back I can move my arm with no problem - full range of motion.  If I'm standing, sitting, or laying on my stomach I can't move my arm.  I did notice that if I am fully submerged under water I can move it just fine too.  I have an appt. with Ortho next Wednesday, but I can not perform my job so I thought I'd see if anybody can help me.  It seems like I have a tendon or nerve stuck under something else.  There is no pain - the arm just won't move much.  I can raise it manually but can't hold it up.  I was thinking about laying on my back and raising my arm and then stand up while arm is raised to see if that will fix it but I don't want to cause any damage.  Any ideas?  Thanks, Roger.

[hachieroger]

Very helpful, thank you!

Roger

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hey Roger!

This is likely to be a joint dislocation/ subluxation or due to a neuro-muscular or related issue, though without an evaluation it would not be possible to specifically site a reason. It would be best to get this evaluated by an orthopedician, as I understand you are already doing next week. I would suggest not trying anything till that time, to be on the safer side. After a cause is diagnosed, following an evaluation, it can be managed accordingly.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!