Expert: Dr. Paul Newhart - 1/3/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi, Doctor, I have a pain in my bicep that does not seem to be a tendon tear--that is, all the tests I've heard about don't apply in this case--but it is intense and it isn't going away.
Symptoms: background pain, like a low-level spasm, may go away during rest, but easy to cause a recurrance. clearest indicator: with my arm down, hand extended, palm to rear, if I then raise my arm keeping the hand in a plane, then move my hand behind my back as if to push my shirt tail in, I get an intense burning pain, spasm-like, that lasts for a minute after which it relaxes back to the dull pain. I can put my finger on where the pain is--with arm relaxed and hanging down, it's right in front, 2 1/2 to 3 inches from the shoulder. It's been about 60 days with little improvement. Any ideas?

ANSWER: You may have a slight tear in the shoulder.  But, most likely, it is a good strain of the muscle.   If you have a chiropractor, you may want to check with them to evaluate it and treat it.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Can you give me any further tests I can do myself? I am many hours from my chiropractor now, but could see her in February.

Answer
Without an actual exam it is very difficult.  Even when doing the orthopedic testing, it can show as negative, and you could have a tear, and vice versa.  You can try ice massage.  Ice, direct on the point of pain, for 3-4 minutes, rubbing in a circular motion.  You do this until it goes numb.  See if the pain then decreases or even disappears