What is the reason for my pain?

[Alicia1983]

I have had pain in the right side of my shoulder since August. It is all in the right trapezius, it radiates up toward my head, and a little down my back. I woke up one morning and it felt like I had a stiff neck. I could not move. It has not gone away since. Sometimes, I had to hold my neck when I sit up, and other times I just can't sit up at all. Massage just makes the pain worse. When the area is palpated, you can feel how hard and tight the muscle is. I saw the doctor, and went for x-rays which showed nothing. They said it could just be some muscle strain or spasm. So, I was started on PT. I got blood work which indicated high WBC, and platelets. The doctor put me on carisoprodol and naproxen, none of which work. I don't understand how these symptoms could last so long without diagnosis. If it is just strain, or spasm, why would it last so long, and happen out of the blue? What can this be symptoms of?  

[carolynrea]

Without knowing, I strained my trapezius muscle on Jan. 31, 2008. It has been very painful, often seizing up my right shoulder (sudden sharp pain). I have to use my right arm to work; therefore, the pain worsens toward the end of my work week. When I am off work, I try to rest the arm and shoulder as much as possible, but it has almost been a month now with little or no improvement. How long does this type of injury last? Also, what can I do to get better. Please help...I am at my wits end. I am usually a very active 63 year old and this has really thrown me for a loop. Help!

[pzbp]

Chiropractors can be very helpful... if you get a good one!  I would suggest ask around and ask the chiropractor for references.
A good chiropractor will take a very good  physical exam and x-rays of the problem area before an adjustment.  
I have seen a chiropractor for years.  I had severe headaches for almost 10 years before seeing him.  I am now pain free!
I saw many others before I saw him with no relief.
I was on muscle relaxers too.  My current chiropractor advised me to get off of them ASAP.  He told me that they just make the muscles weak.
My neck had been out for so long that the muscles were trained to go to the incorrect postion.  So everytime he would adjust the spine the muscles would pull it back out.
At first I saw him 3 times a week, to correct the problem.  I now see him maybe 3 times a year.  At first the after the adjustments I  could have some pain but it got better.
I hope this information helps.

[lhowell]

Alicia, I don't know about the blood results (maybe you're fighting some infection?), but I pulled my trapezious muscle last year (and of all ways, by putting my bra on!).  It took it about 4 weeks to get better.  It's hard for that muscle to heal because you use it so much.  My doctor gave me a muscle relaxer and some anti-inflammatory meds.  I don't think they helped so I only took them for a couple of days.  Advil helped and just trying not to pick up anything and use that muscle helped.  Even when it feels better, baby it for a little bit longer so you don't re-injure it.

PS- my going to a chiropractor shortly after pulling it just irritated it and made it much worse.  I kept feeling like I had a kink in my back and kept trying to pop it out.  Eventually, it made my neck really sore and it was hard to even turn my head.