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What Causes Chronic Shoulder Pain?

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Posted on Tue, 11 Apr 2017
Question: Hi, I have had shoulder pain for about three months. At first it seemed to move down my arm but that symptom is gone now, but now it seems to have moved to include my back between my shoulder blade & spine. It feels like there is a knot there. I read that shoulder pain can sometimes be associated with lung cancer and as a former smoker I am totally freaked out. I have been to the doctor once and she seemed t think it was tendinitis and told me to rest it which I have been trying to do for a week and a half now but it hasn't helped. Any advice?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. U N Sahoo (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
shoulder pain

Detailed Answer:
Hi,


Thanks for your question on HCM



I do understand your pain and discomfort



"As" per your history is concerned please provide me more details-



1)Do you have cough history or cough blood?

2)Do you have shortness of breathing and what is your breathing rate per minutes?

3)Are you loosing weight without any reasons?check and measure it

4)Do you have chest pain or abnormal breathing sounds while expiration



I hope this will clarify all your doubts, please follow with answers to get a conclusion and nothing to be worried at all.



Hope that helps
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. U N Sahoo (1 hour later)
My answer is no to all questions. I do not have a history of cancer in my family either. I read about Pancoat tumors and it scared me because the area between my shoulder blade and spine is very tight and it feels like there is a knot there. I think I have symptoms of tendinitis and impingement. Are these often diagnosed together?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. U N Sahoo (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Shoulder Pain

Detailed Answer:
Hi,


Thanks for your quick and prompt reply



“As” per your question let me tell you point wise

1)first i want to say that a Pan coast tumor as mentioned by you also called a pulmonary sulcus tumor or superior sulcus tumor, is a tumor of the pulmonary apex. It is a type of lung cancer so for the time being you have no symptoms present till now and it is a painless disease so do a physical examination by your local doctor to clarify further.



2)secondly for tendinitis take medications as advised by your doctor. In shoulder tendinitis you will feel pain when you move your limbs. Mild tenderness will be there and if you mark carefully mild swelling will be present.so treatment for it is REST and ICE and OTC painkillers.you can take ibuprofen for pain and tenderness and you can use one anti inflammatory cream on that areas. If that is not helpful then discuss with your doctor regarding corticosteroid injections and physical therapy. You can do few things at home-



1)avoid activities that place excessive stress on your tendons

2)if one activity or exercise causes you a particular persistent pain try to change it.

3)consider taking professional help when using exercise equipments

4)take time after exercise to stretch in order to maximize the range of motion of your joints. This can help to minimize repetitive trauma on tight tissues. The best time to stretch is after exercise, when your muscles are warmed up.

5)Adjust your chair, keyboard and desktop as recommended for your height, arm length and usual tasks. This will help protect all your joints and tendons from excessive stress.



your last question was regarding Shoulder impingement syndrome which is diagnosed by physical examinations only. Your range of shoulder motion will be limited by this disorder and A painful XXXXXXX of movement may be present during forward elevation of the arm from 60° to 120° as well as grinding or popping sensation during movement of the shoulder so to clarify it only your doctor can find it.



Some times in rare cases both are present but always not.



Lastly in my own study i may advise you to do a [full blood count with differential] and further medications will be added as per reports only.



Hope that helps
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. U N Sahoo

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1969

Answered : 2462 Questions

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What Causes Chronic Shoulder Pain?

Brief Answer: shoulder pain Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for your question on HCM I do understand your pain and discomfort "As" per your history is concerned please provide me more details- 1)Do you have cough history or cough blood? 2)Do you have shortness of breathing and what is your breathing rate per minutes? 3)Are you loosing weight without any reasons?check and measure it 4)Do you have chest pain or abnormal breathing sounds while expiration I hope this will clarify all your doubts, please follow with answers to get a conclusion and nothing to be worried at all. Hope that helps