shoulder and hand swelling

[Lita10]

Pain on my l shoulder started about 8 months ago. MRI and x ray results reveal bulging discs on C3-C5. I had 3 shots of cortison in a matter of 3 months as the doctors kept on missing the area to inject. I had myotheraphy, phsiotheraphy, electro tense pulse, massages, chiro, acupuncture, exercises, you name it all. About a month ago, my left hand and fingers started to swell. Don't know what else i can do. Please help

[Lita10]

HI, I don't know exactly my therapist credentials. It's just I was referred to him who vouched he was very good so I didn't even think. I was in agony so I saw him as fast as  I can
I have only seen him once but the pain on my shoulder is almost gone. My left hand and fingers are still swollen though.
I will see him again on Thursday and hopefully, I should be relieved of any pain and swollen hand in the very near future.

[Tuckamore]

Wonderful! My PCP back home is an Internal Medicine D.O. She has kept me functioning with Osteopathic Manipulation Therapy (OMT). It sounds a bit similar to what your Spinal Muscle Specialists is doing for you.

There's a lot to be said for good alignment, muscle release and similar procedures and/or treatments. What are his creditials? A D.O., Chiropractor??

My new PMP is FL said he didn't know how or why these D.O. treatments work, he just knows that they work. I respected him for that admission.

I hope this is as successful for you as OMT has been for me. Again thanks for the update.

[Lita10]

Today, I went to see a Spinal Muscle Specialist... while on my tummy, he kind of stretches very gently my neck, shoulder, spine, feet and every bones of my fingers. He was referred to me by a friend who was in pain for a while and unable to walk. After couple of sessions, he got better and now can walk as normal.
He claims he has 25 years experience as a Spinal Muscle Specialist
I feel tension on my shoulder has been released a bit. Am willing to give this a go and see what happens. My next session will be next Wednesday.
I will keep you updated on the process.

[Tuckamore]

Thanks for the update. I am glad you were offered an option. It's always frightening when you consider surgery. There are great outcomes.

In my opinion the more educated you are on the choices the better your decision. Read, research and when you feel you have all the information then make a decision. Make sure your surgeon has lots of great experience in shoulder replacements. Ask for his success rates and check his credentials. There are surgeons that specialize in shoulders. If it were me I would consider one.

I'll look forward to your updates. Feel free to involve us in the process.

Best of Luck to You,
~Tuck

[Lita10]

Thanks Tuck. Saw an orthopedic surgeon yesterday who insisted I should have a total shoulder arthroplasty (replacement).
Not keen on this surgery. Still hoping there must be alternative treatment out there.

[Tuckamore]

Hello Lita,

I am sorry to hear about the poor relief you have had from treatments. I would be very concerned regarding doctors that "kept on missing the area to inject." I would hope that the technicians or physicians performing these steroidal injections are experienced and skilled and would not be repeatedly "missing" their mark.

If I were in your situation I would seek another opinion from a physician associated with a large teaching facility. A second pair of eyes and another "look" may offer you better options and treatments.

Please let us know what you discover.

My Best,
~Tuck