What Causes Stiffness In Shoulders?

Posted on Wed, 23 Jul 2014

Question: About a week ago I woke up with a stiff left shoulder. I am a 50 year old woman , I have been suffering hot flushes at night and twist and turn most of the night trying to get cool. I don't know if in my restlessness I have pulled a muscle? In any event the shoulder pain does not limit exercise or my daily life apart from the fact it is worrisome. I notice when I take a deep breath it hurts?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
pulled muscle or frozen shoulder or tendonitis.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for trusting us with your health concern.
The stiffness in the shoulder could be due to a pulled muscle or frozen shoulder or tendonitis.
Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Motrin, ibuprofen, or Aleve can help with pain control and decrease inflammation.
Activities that cause symptoms should be avoided. A physical therapy program that focuses on establishing non-painful shoulder motion and strengthening of the shoulder muscles will also be helpful.
I suggest you to consult a doctor nearby for thorough examination.Your doctor may prescribe pain medications, muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory drugs — aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) — to decrease inflammation and encourage muscle relaxation.
Please feel free to discuss further. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Rakhi Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Rakhi-Tayal

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar