OT---minor but still a pain

[essdipity]

Compared to other posts here about very serious issues, this is petty, I know, but still it is interfering with my life rather much. About week ago I woke with a severe muscle pain in my shoulder, just above and inside the shoulder blade. I know it's from somehow sleeping in the wrong position. That happens to me very occasionally. It's not MS-related, I'm sure.

A shower fairly hot, if not as hot as I'd otherwise like, does help. I let the water beat on the sore place. I also use icy hot rub. Ultimately the soreness gets better, if not best. Two Aleve help a bit. But overnight the same thing happens, so I wake up in pain again. It's gotten worse over the past week, if anything, and is beginning to wake me when I turn over. It also hurts when I turn during driving. It's just a sore muscle, but it sure is a pain!

Suggestions, anyone?

ess

[Corriel]

Ahh, shoulder pain. Nasty stuff.

I swear by something called Ping On ointment for muscular issues. I think it is pretty similar to Tiger Balm. Icy and hot all at once.

Because my arms/hands/shoulders/neck have been such a mess this year, I sleep with a variety of either gel ice packs or heat bags whichever I'm in the mood for.

Have you tried a new pillow? Maybe you need a little more/less support somewhere that could help your sleeping posture.

I did finally discover (and adore!) massages but my upper area is such a mess that I could literally go every week and still not get it all straightened out. Since my work insurance only covers 7 massages a year I had to get stingy when I discovered that I had 5 already before April this year.

Sometimes I put the ice/heat under the back of my neck and near whichever shoulder is bothering me the most.

One thing I wouldn't recommend but it has worked for me is just going to bed so darned late that by the time I get all of my packs/bags placed I quite literally drop off and don't move until I get up 6 hours later. All bags still in place. If it wasn't such a dumb thing to do with MS fatigue I'd be proud of myself. :)

[rendean]

Hi Ess,
Have had the same pain. I was going to PT at the time and she massaged undeneath the shoulder blade the relax the muscle spasms and had me do some gentle streching exercises. Took about a week before I was completely pain free but the massage under the shoulder blade for the subscapularis muscle was the best!

Hope things resovle soon!
Ren

[essdipity]

Wow, Alex, you've sure had your injuries. I once had a frozen shoulder as well, which happened because of a fractured elbow which required 3 surgeries. During the 3rd one,which removed some of the hardware in my arm, the surgeon 'unfroze' my shoulder by doing a 360 degree maneuver I couldn't possibly have stood without all that sedation. All this happened despite being in physical therapy the whole time. When I finally could raise my arm above my head, which was months later, I had a min-celebration.

Yes, shoulders are a pain.


ess

[HVAC]

Shoulders can be very painful. I got what is called a frozen shoulder. My doctor gave me a cortizone shot and exercises. They have to be specific and mild. It took a while to get over it.

I also injured my shoulder in a one storey fall. I use to sleep with an ice pack. The shoulder can be a very sore injury. It is hard to get comfortable. Of all the injuries I have had that was the most uncomfortable.

Alex