Expert: John Quackenbush DC - 9/22/2011

Question
i have a pain at the deltoit in my left shoulder.it is sharp and if i put on my shirt the pain is more .if i lift something the pain is there.if i lift my arm above my shoulders and hesd, the pain is also there.sometimes it runs down the outside of my shoulder on the left side down  to my elbo.if i lay on the bed on my left side ,the pain in the shoulder goes away after a while,but when i turn around to the other side shoulder the pain is back and only for a little time.when i sit at a table with my elbo on the table the pain is there and also a bit to front of my shoulder.what can i do ,medesine and practice.?

Answer
Ben,

Sounds to me like a rotator cuff syndrome but your doctor should not over look a possible labral tear also.I would suggest an MRI of the affected shoulder to see what internal pathology might be present. At a minimum you need a physical examination to determine what is truly happening with your shoulder.

I also would stop any activities that flare the shoulder symptoms until you have sought medical attention.

You will have to assess any internal damage to your shoulder before I can recommend any further action. So please do so and contact me again with your results with any questions you might have.

I sincerely hope my comments have helped you in your health decision making.


Sincerely,
Dr John Quackenbush
Chiropractic Physician
Phoenix Arizona