intense shoulder pain

[jr365]

I am a 42 yr. old male with bad pain in my left shoulder/upper arm.  While standing, with my arm straight at my side, i cannot raise my arm out to the side, or raise it up forward.  Raising it only a couple of inches either way causes intense pain, stopping further movement. I tried raising my arm in the same fashion with assistance.  The person was able to raise my arm fully out to the side with only mild discomfort, but was only able to raise my arm forward about 1foot before the pain became too much.  

I am able to bend my arm at the elbow and wrist, and clinch my fist without pain.  While standing, i can put my palm on the kitchen table and put my weight on my hand without pain to my arm.  There is no bruising or any swelling that i can see.

I have had for the last couple years mild discomfort in this shoulder if i sleep on this side for too long, but it goes away after a few minutes.  Two days ago i had carried a large folding chair over this shoulder for about 200 yds.  I believe this might have been the cause of whatever i have injured.  There wasn't immediate pain just mild discomfort a couple hours after carrying chair.  When i awoke in the morning, i was sleeping on this shoulder, and the pain was more pronounced.  I spent the morning doing some light yardwork, and by the time i finished, the pain was unbearable if i moved my upper arm.

I have been putting cold packs on the area to lessen the pain and it has been working when resting.  When i try to do anything else, even using the bathroom, or typing this, aggravates the injury to where i must ice the site to alleviate the pain.  i've only been using ibuprofen sparingly due to the dangers of nsaids.

I am currently unemployed without insurance, and caring for my elderly mother.  i can't afford an unnecessary dr's visit or being unable to fully care for my mom.  I would greatly appreciate any advice as to a diagnosis and/or severity of my injury.  Thank you.

[cheshchesh819]

it do sound like muscle pain or maybe nerve damage,my doctor did prescribe me ibufron for it as it is an anti inflammorty tablet,also when sleeping try to sleep on the other side

[whkrems]

My pain is gone. I started drinking bottled water three 16 ounce a day to start, less now.
Also use bottled water for cooking making coffee. I only use tap water for washing clothes and dishes.