Right shoulder/back pain

[Murseman]

I've been having right shoulder/upper back pain that sometimes radiates to the neck. This started about a few years ago. I have lots of stress and have anxiety/depression but nothing that I didn't have prior to the pain. I'm a 26 y/o male RN and work on an intermediate cardio/thoracic unit an in innercity hospital in OH- so I unavoidably have to life patients often- but I have been in healthcare for over six years. I'm taking ibuprofen 800mg every eight hours. All the PCP's I've seen say "let's wait and see" and "let me know how you feel in six weeks." I've tried the stretching bit and it helps a little. But oddly enough I have a spot of numbness there that feels like extra weight. I can pin-point the pain and it feels like I have a crochet needle stuck in the and from time to time it gets pulled on producing deep dull/number pains. Massage helps for hours only. The dull pain is accompanied by my having to move the shoulder joint around like a spasm- it's a controllable movement but an uncontrollable urge to due this. This looks quite embarassing esp in front of coworkers/patients. I'm a new dad and cannot be sidelined from work- I'm the breadwinner; so this worries me alot. I take ADHD meds Adderal noteably; not sure if that helps. I have good insurance-not sure if it covers chiropractics though. My dad had joint problems and muscle spasms also; don't know if this is connected. What can I do? How can I get a DR to check this out or what could I suggest he check out? or even what causes this? I'm eternally greatful for any answers or help!

[Tuckamore]

Hello Murseman,

Welcome to the Pain Management Forum. I applaud you for entering a female dominated profession and thank you for serving the needs of our infirmed. We need great nurses every where. It must be difficult to now be the patient!

Obviously you know the structure and function of the human body as well as I do. Is this pain originating from the cervical area? Do you think it could be an impingement? Or do you believe this to be more shoulder centered? Certainly that "spot of numbness" must be nerve related. I have a few of those same areas. I call them Dead Zones.  :o)

In my opinion physician's too often take that "wait and see" approach. If they had the pain they would be less likely to "wait."  You are on a therapeutic dose of an NSAID. It should have improved your symptoms if it was an inflammation and going to improve. It's time to take action.

Don't be intimidated by your PCP. The waiting and see time is over. You need some imaging and/or diagnostic testing. You know they'll start with an x-ray...so get that over and move on to the next round of tests. Be assertive and straight forward. Tell your PCP this is interfering with your ability to perform the duties and responsibilities involved with your career. You've been brave long enough. If your PCP won't order the needed investigative tests, find one that will. This is your body and no one cares about it as you do.

Congratulates on being a new father! Enjoy, they grow quickly! Please keep us posted. I will look forward to your updates.

Best of Luck,
~Tuck

[paingotago]

Hi there, Please remember I am not a Dr., and this is just my opinion, but its always impotant to try to think back ,and remember what you were doing at the time these symtoms came on. If you don't know thats ok. You could have a "pinched' nerve in the neck area. There is really know way to tell for sure from my perspective ,(BUT), there are test that will possible tell exactly what is giong on. The test are as follows #1 ARTHROGRAM- Xray  with an injection of fluid dye.#2 your Dr. might want a MRI. After he gets thos results he will make the proper diagnosis for you. So I recommend you go to you PC Dr., and talk about these test so you can get on with your life in a much higher quality of health. Best Wishes to You. Sincerely,Paingotago