Questions and Answers about Shoulder Problems | Arthritis Information

What Are the Most Common Shoulder Problems?

The most movable joint in the body, the shoulder is also one of the most potentially unstable joints. As a result, it is the site of many common problems. They include sprains, strains, dislocations, separations, tendinitis, bursitis, torn rotator cuffs, frozen shoulder, fractures, and arthritis.

http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Shoulder_Problems/default.aspI have had so much trouble with my shoulders!

I injured my right one many years ago, it has total ROM again but constant neuralgia, arthritis and degenerative changes ... but at least it works.

I injured my left shoulder 2 years ago, lifting my dad's wheelchair wrong. That started a whole big mess of tests, physical therapy, multiple surgeries, more PT and lots of pain. I had 2 rotator cuff tears. Severely allergic to anti-inflammatories, I could never be given cortisone shots or meds so by the time of the first surgery, there was so much inflammation, the bursa had to be removed and 45min spent "cleaning up" the whole area, which then made the second tear visible. I must've already had encapsulating capsulitis (frozen shoulder) because afterwards, I just never got my ROM back so had to go back in after trying months of PT. Anyway, I'm still working at recovering. I now have about 75% ROM back and less pain. Dr says I may have another year to go before I reach the max I will ever achieve. I would be satisfied at this stage if only the pain was gone.

I sure have gotten a deep appreciation for all that a shoulder does! With such a lengthy process I've gone through, simple actions amaze and delight me, like closing the car door when inside and shampooing my hair with 2 hands and dressing with more ease, although that still needs much improvement. There are still everyday things I cannot do yet forget until I'm in the middle of trying to do it. Anyway, that's my shoulder story.

CathyMarie

shoulder pain is the absolute pits. Its virtually impossible to escape from when its bad.I hate when the shoulder pain is so bad that you can not sleep on that side at night! It seems so hard to get relief from shoulder pain and it transmits up into the neck! [QUOTE=waddie]I hate when the shoulder pain is so bad that you can not sleep on that side at night! It seems so hard to get relief from shoulder pain and it transmits up into the neck! [/QUOTE]

Waddie, sorry I missed this. I had a very busy day yesterday and when I got home, I just wanted to relax.

My shoulder is no worse according to the MRI, but the ortho says that it will continue to pop in and out of joint until I let him fix it...Fat chance of that happening right now

I absolutely refuse to do anything before November, so he will just have to wait! Summer is coming, wedding stuff galore and the fact that I'm just not a big fan of surgery make this decision a no-brainer for me!

Seriously though...my ortho and my PT think physical therapy can help with some of the issues and I'm willing to try it for the next 6 weeks or so..As long as I can control the pain, I'm fine good for you, Lynn...... always try PT before the knife... more times I've avoided the knife that way..

best to you!!

I don't know if anyone remembers, but I had terrible shoulder pain and I just started on Arava (again) an it has improved so much! I just hope my bloodwork continues to support the use of this med. I do feel a lot better. I hope you find something that works!

Phats [QUOTE=Phatgirl2]... I just started on Arava (again) an it has improved so much! [/quote][/QUOTE]

My shoulder issues are a bit different. I suffer from a shoulder insability, in part because I'm double jointed. I know that I will need surgery at some point, but I'm not willing to go down that road quite yet........

I will be dancing, tywirling and just generally whooping it up at my youngest's wedding. Pain or no pain, I'm always up for a party!