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Shoulder And Back Related. I'm Shelbey, A 24 Year Old

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Posted on Tue, 31 Mar 2020
Question: Shoulder and back related.
I'm Shelbey, a 24 year old girl who has been doing on and off factory work since I graduated at 18. Before my first job ended, as it was temporary, I did have some straining in my shoulder but not too noteworthy.
My second factory job, after a few months, I started to get a lot of pain in my left shoulder. Lifting it, dropping it, and pulling hurt. Pushing isn't too bad. I left the job to do something easier on my shoulder.
Years later, I started another manufacturing job and within about 4 months, the same thing happened again but worse. The pain was in my upper back and neck, mostly left shoulder and arm, minorly right side. Against better judgement, I continued my job while hearing it at home. It ended up hurting so bad and it was a struggle for me to lift my arms. I had to have help washing my hair. The on site doctor referred me to a physical therapist and I was on light duty. I had xrays and nothing was discovered. No MRI yet as I didn't qualify for workman compensation due to my shoulders hurting years prior.
The next few years till now, I have been doing easy work. Exercising my upper body, lifting, etc. In hoping it would make it least likely to happen again. I just started a janitorial position temporarily at my current job last night, and after a few hours of mopping the facility, I noticed the pain starting up again in my left shoulder and back. Mostly when I pull the mop back to me.

All the times I to go to my doctor (I am in a small town, I use the no insurance needed clinic), they cannot find anything wrong. I've had xrays on my upper vertebrae, and my left shoulder. I was shown to have very minor scoliosis, but so minimal that they were not worried.

I'm hoping anyone can possibly know what might be wrong. I really enjoy hard work jobs, but it seems at this rate that it just isn't meant to be.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Repetitive strain injury.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, welcome to Ask a doctor's service.
I read your query and here is my advice.

I too think this problem is not related to scoliosis you are having . I think this is possibly repetitive strain injury.
You were constantly doing hard work, forceful exertions,lifting and pulling heavy things and you have caused tendon injuries in different cases.
There is no a certain treatment to get read of it and continue working the same.
The only thing you can do is reducing the repetitive movements, lifting heavy weights, pulling and pushing weights.
Keeping a sling on your arm can help keep it at rest .
Also physical therapy as previously recommended by your doctor is advisable.
If you are having pain also you use anti-inflammatory drugs such Advil or naproxen.
Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
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Answered by
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Dr. Olgeta Xhufka

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 10166 Questions

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Shoulder And Back Related. I'm Shelbey, A 24 Year Old

Brief Answer: Repetitive strain injury. Detailed Answer: Hello dear, welcome to Ask a doctor's service. I read your query and here is my advice. I too think this problem is not related to scoliosis you are having . I think this is possibly repetitive strain injury. You were constantly doing hard work, forceful exertions,lifting and pulling heavy things and you have caused tendon injuries in different cases. There is no a certain treatment to get read of it and continue working the same. The only thing you can do is reducing the repetitive movements, lifting heavy weights, pulling and pushing weights. Keeping a sling on your arm can help keep it at rest . Also physical therapy as previously recommended by your doctor is advisable. If you are having pain also you use anti-inflammatory drugs such Advil or naproxen. Hope I have answered the question. Let me know if I can assist you further.