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Suggest Treatment For Shoulder Pain Due To Rotator Cuff Deterioration

Posted on Mon, 7 Nov 2016

Question: 51-year-old male. 18 years ago had a partial right rotator cuff orthoscopicly repaired. 2 1/2 weeks ago while reaching my right arm across my body and up to turn off the lamp on my nightstand I heard a very loud pop on the top of my right shoulder where the bone/joint sticks up. This was followed by moderate pain and soreness. I don't seem to have any range of motion problems or pain when lifting my arm up. Most of the pain is when I try to tuck like the back of my shirt in or stretch my shoulders out by clasping my hands behind my back and stretching. Also there is pain while lying in bed on my side where I am putting pressure on the right arm. The pop was very loud and startled me and I certainly do not want to have any more surgeries. I do not even know if this is rotator cuff related but wanted your opinion. It has neither gotten worse nor better. The pain is not intolerable unless I make it so.. I am currently unemployed and the individual insurance that I purchased will not cover any testing such as MRIs etc. that would have to come out of my pocket it only covers three office visits per year and is a $2500 deductible so I am in somewhat of a bind when it comes to if I need medical testing done at the moment. Your assistance would be appreciated.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Rotator cuff injury likely.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
A loud pop followed by pain on stretching behind the back is suggestive of a soft tissue injury to the rotator cuff. An MRI scan can diagnose the problem but since the pain is mild and is on certain movements only it is best to avoid the painful movements and let the injury gradually heal on its own in next few weeks. Do not put any pressure on the right arm while sleeping. Doing a hot compress in the area and taking a mild anti inflammatory pain killer can help.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (9 minutes later)

Thank you for your reply. The pop that I heard was actually on the bone or joint that sticks up on the top of the right shoulder. It is the same shoulder that I had a partial rotator cuff tear 18 years ago that was repaired with that work for scope. There is also a lot of crackling and correct billing sounds when I raise my arm from my side upward. And since my insurance that I purchased due to unemployment only covers office visits and any MRI or other testing will go against my $2500 deductible which I can't currently at for being unemployed. Do you suggest I see an orthopedic doctor to have him physically examined me. The doctor that operated on that shoulder 18 years ago is still in practice and my insurance does cover three office visits. Also do you suggest any stretching or strengthening program at this point or just rest? Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Do get it examined by an orthopedician.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
You can consult an orthopedician for an examination. A minor tear is likely. Do take rest for 2-3 weeks and after the pain subsides completely then only any exercises should be started. Doing exercises just now can add to the injury.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (6 hours later)

Thank you for your reply again. It has been three weeks. This morning I noticed I'm having pain when reaching upward. It is not severe pain but it is noticeable. If this is a tear or a partial tear is it likely to heal on its own? Would it be proper for me to ask for a Cortizone or steroid injection while at the orthopedic doctor? Would that assist in it's healing?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
It should gradually heal on its own.

Detailed Answer:
The mild pain can be due to a partial tear. It is likely to heal on its own in few weeks. Cortizone shot will decrease the inflammation and will reduce the pain and swelling. It will not aid in healing. The healing will take its own time.
Regards.

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

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