What's wrong with my shoulder/upper arm?

I currently have restricted range of motion in my left arm as a result of a slowly worsening condition that has been progressing for perhaps 10 months to a year. Please note that when I first noticed diminished range in this arm, it was so minor with no pain that I didn’t even know at the time that something was wrong and figured it was just a result of losing flexibility as I aged.  It is only the last 2 months or so that it has started getting worse to the point where I feel it is making everyday activities difficult. And pain is a little more present. Though I have yet to take a single aspirin or ibuprofen because of this.

I am 55 years old, in relatively good health with just minor allergies (hay fever, some mild food allergies, occasional hives) and basically only take a single aspirin a day for preventative purposes, plus  vitamins and occasional antihistamines. I haven’t seen a doctor yet because I have no medical insurance and money is very tight now.

Long Story:  About 10 months ago, maybe longer, I noticed that I couldn’t reach behind my back with my left arm like I used to before. Maybe range had diminished by a couple of inches. My right arm was normal with no decreased flexibility. There was no pain, and I just figured the problem with the left arm was reduced flexibility due to aging.

Then about 4-5 months ago, I noticed that the range of motion had reduced even more. Maybe a few more inches. Still no real pain. This basically only affected the ability to reach behind my back and wash it in the shower. Up until that time, it never entered my mind that something could be wrong with my shoulder/upper arm.

Then about a month ago, I noticed the loss of range of motion seemed to be progressing faster … or maybe it was progressing at the same rate as before but because the loss of flexibility was now so much more and has started to become a nuisance, it just seems that way. Right now, I would say I have lost about 10” of range in terms of being able to reach back and up behind my back.

I also notice the range of motion loss when I try to touch my right shoulder with my left hand, but this doesn’t seem as drastic as the loss of motion when trying to reach behind my back.

About a month ago, I started taking some extra-strength Glucosamine Chondroitin, two tablets a day, but my arm only got worse during this time. So now I’ve stopped the Glucosamine. A few weeks ago, I also tried some stretching exercises, to the point where I could feel pain, but my arm only hurt worse the next few days when I tried to reach with it. Perhaps stretching exercises are an answer, but I am afraid to make matters worse by forcing things when I don’t know the cause of this.

When I press in around the surface skin of my shoulder or upper arm, nothing hurts, so whatever is causing this is deep down inside. Also, where it hurts when I try to extend my arm is the upper arm/bicepts area, and not the shoulder area. At least that’s what it seems like to me, though my concept of anatomy is hazy so it could be my shoulder. I don’t recall ever having an injury to my shoulder/upper arm that could have precipitated this.

Does anyone have any idea what could be wrong? Are there any suggestions for treating this myself? Am I  in the right forum? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[kbug1013]

I have frozen shoulder syndrome in both shoulders. I would go see a ortho doc if you could. I have had mine for about 10 months as well. I am in PT and it is helping. I can get my left arm up my back and over my head now. My right arm is still a little more angry. But it could be Rotator cuff tear. or bursitis. Its worth a check.  I hope this has been of some help

[Christine5000]

Hi kbug. Thanks for your reply. What was the source of your frozen shoulder?

As I said, I don't have medical insurance now and can't afford the range of tests they'd probably put me through. Can you describe the type of exercises they give you in physical therapy? Do they stretch you until it's painful.

I can do some exercises myself, even if it hurts. The only thing I'm worried about is making things worse. Is that possible if I push myself too hard?

What kind of prognosis did the doctor give you?

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Well, there could be several possibilities to the situation like dislocations, fractures, muscle/ ligament/ tendon injuries, nerve impingent/ damage, muscle strain causing stiffness, inflammations, myositis, bursitis, capsulitis, arthritis etc.; though inflammatory conditions would generally cause tenderness. Unless a cause is diagnosed, it would be inappropriate to suggest a treatment plan. I would advise seeing an orthopedician, or atleast a primary care physician and get a few basic tests such as x-rays done. Aside a physical examination, a complete evaluation may require a few more tests such as imaging studies like the MRI, routine blood tests, EMG, nerve condition studies etc; if suggested on a physical examination. Management again would depend on the cause diagnosed and may include medications, surgical repair in severely injured cases or fractures, physiotherapy etc. Meanwhile you may try hot fomentation and OTC NSAIDS and see if they help.
Hope this was useful.

Take care!