shoulder problems
 

Ok searched around a bunch and couldn't find much or sure which section to post in

Had a head/neck/back injury almost 2 years ago, but have had pretty severe left shoulder pain/arm and hand pain doctors assumed it was the bulging disks in my neck but they finally did an mri/arthrogram of my shoulder, can anyone help me understand the radiologists report??? Don't see the doctor for another 2 weeks

Rotator cuff. Intact without appreciable tear
Muscles. Normal morphology and signal
Ligaments. Intact
Labrum. Probable small sublabral recess or foramen, less likely tiny labral tear in the anterior/superior labrum

A/C joint. Minimal arthrosis. The acromion is type II without significant downsloping
Biceps. Intact
Bones. Normal marrow signal
Other. Normal
Arthrogram. Some of the contrast during the injection extended into the region of the subscapularis tendon and muscle





Conclusion. Tiny probablw sublabral recess or foramen, less likely labeled tear rotator cuff appears to be intact



And is this normal for a 28yr old?

If the doctors can't find an obvious cause for pain & symptoms, it might be good to do some reading about Thoracic Outlet Syndrome/Brachial Plexopathy.

Here's a thread that should be very helpful-
Our Useful Links - Websites, Articles & Polls
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread84.html

this upper c spine info might be helpfull too since you mention a head/neck injury -
http://www.upcspine.com/self.htm

Hi Chevy,

Doesn't matter too much - here, the TOS forum, or added on to your previous thread in the spinal forum...

Pragmatically, does that matter? You've been through an injury/trauma, and your shoulder, neck, and back are what they are. Is it normal for a 28 yr old, or is it normal for someone (of any age) who's been through what you've been through?

My guess (from being through the mill a few times myself and hearing others' experiences) is: you've been to a number of doctors, who've performed tests and written reports, which have been forwarded to your PCP. And have any of these specialists ever picked up a phone and actually talked/consulted with each other to figure out the source of the problem? I don't know of course, but IME, it would be extremely unusual. Specialists tend to think you've got what they specialize in; they view things with tunnel vision, leaving it to someone else to assemble the whole picture.

There's not much (that I know of) that can be done until you see the doctor again in two weeks except to do whatever works best - ant-inflammatories, OTC pain meds (please DO NOT exceed amounts specified on the labels without calling your doctor first - some, like tylenol/acetaminophen, can do irreparable liver/organ damage if taken in excess), heat, ice, the TENS, massage... and don't strain it further.

Since the primary issue at this time is pain(?), keep up with the pain management. I know it's a slow frustrating PITA; a journey, remember? Since it's pain, they may also send you to a neurologist (if they haven't already) and try meds like gabapentin or Lyrica, which can be effective with some kinds of nerve pain.

Ultimately, if your PCP (the guy who's supposed to put the big picture together and act as your coordinator/"quarterback") isn't doing it, you're going to have to become your own patient advocate. Most of us here have had to do this. Learn about all your own conditions, the meds, the therapies... A lot of reading and learning, and communicate with these guys in their own terms. Help them help you. IME, and those of others here, doctors tend to take more serious interests in patients who take more serious interest in themselves.

On the subject of all these doctors without answers, here's an open letter from one that's been helpful to some of us in understanding and communicating with them:
http://distractible.org/?p=3912

When you do see the next doctor, ask about scar tissue. It sometimes shows up on some kinds of imaging - not on others. Scar tissue forms as a result of healing, either surgical or natural. It can press on nerves, tighten/restrain muscles & nerves, and generally cause havoc.

Another self-help therapy to try is diet. This may sound like wacky new-age fringe stuff, but I (and many more folks here) can attest that it can be astoundingly effective in addressing pain (and I'm one of the most skeptical guys around). There are foods that can cause/exacerbate inflammation and foods that can reduce it.
Google: inflammation foods

Jo*mar's suggestion also has merit.

Pain is a harsh mistress (no offense to womankind).

Hope some of this is helpful,

Doc

Nice to meet you!!