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Degenerative Diseases Community
This patient support community is for discussions relating to living with degenerative disease.
From neck to shoulder
by jonlaw, May 08, 2008 05:13PM
I am experiencing severe pain in both shoulders. I noticed the onset about 8 months ago as I was driving. My left shoulder was "uncomfortable" from just it's own weight. The pain grew worse daily, and after about 3 months my right shoulder reflected the symptoms. My doctor diagnosed a partial rotator cuff tear and told me that it would take several months to repair itself. I remembered lifting a very heavy weight on the day my pain started, but I had trouble understanding the inclusion of my right shoulder also.
Recent referal to an orthepedic surgeon led me to x-rays and MRI's. Both were negative. The pain is so severe that I need help in donning a jacket, and I can forget reaching for my seatbelt.
About 15 years ago, I had a discectomy at C-4 / C-5. For the past 5 years I have taken medication for upper neck pain due to degenerative disc disease. Although the pain in my upper neck has not worsened, I am wondering if the pain is generating from my neck or my shoulders. My physician insists that the pain is not referred, but he cannot explain the negative MRI results. He still believes it is a rotator cuff injury.
Would it be unusual for spinal cord pressure to cause such pain in "both" shoulders? Can a rotator cuff injury hide from x-rays and MRI's? Are there any other plausible causes for severe bilateral shoulder pain?
Recent referal to an orthepedic surgeon led me to x-rays and MRI's. Both were negative. The pain is so severe that I need help in donning a jacket, and I can forget reaching for my seatbelt.
About 15 years ago, I had a discectomy at C-4 / C-5. For the past 5 years I have taken medication for upper neck pain due to degenerative disc disease. Although the pain in my upper neck has not worsened, I am wondering if the pain is generating from my neck or my shoulders. My physician insists that the pain is not referred, but he cannot explain the negative MRI results. He still believes it is a rotator cuff injury.
Would it be unusual for spinal cord pressure to cause such pain in "both" shoulders? Can a rotator cuff injury hide from x-rays and MRI's? Are there any other plausible causes for severe bilateral shoulder pain?
Post Comment
I agree with your physio,it's rotator cuff injury due to degeneration ,and a lot of patients happened in both side,even no any reason.I don't think spinal cord pressure can cause this pain without any other symptoms.
I strong suggest that don't do painful stretch and don't do funny exsercise,they can make problem worse!!! Just take time.
Take care and best wish