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What Causes Soreness Of Shoulder At A Single Point With History Of Shoulder Surgeries?

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Posted on Mon, 8 Sep 2014
Question: I'm a 58-year-old female that has had 4 previous shoulder surgeries on my right shoulder starting in 2005 going till about 2009 I've been using my left shoulder nonstop since 2005 I quit sleeping on it a couple of years ago because I could just feel it was wearing out. Stupidly I thought I was strong enough to try and pick up a saddle and throw it on a horse and I'm right-handed it didn't work I couldn't get it above my shoulders. After that I left where I was riding and try to drive back to town and I had to stop for an hour because I was so sick and just sat and slept there. I am currently on and have been for years and Fentanyl patches and hydrocodone and Valium for my back spasms which I have scoliosis also caused from my right shoulder that I had my AC resected too. I also have osteoporosis and osteoarthritis very bad bone density and I can never have steroid shots again. I woke up the next morning to sharp nerve pain coming from my neck and unable to lift my left arm for several hours, finally loosened up but the same thing happened the next two days without the nerve pain,now it's starting to feel better I have more movement should I be concerned if there is a rotator cuff tear and see my surgeon or not? I do have maybe 3/4 mobility on my left shoulder but is now just a steady constant ache pain with a few sharp pains with certain movements. I noticed when I was I'll in the car that my left shoulder blade was very sore also. I can put my fingers on a forward point of my shoulder and pin point a spot, but it's also sore near my neck by my collar bone. Gets worse at night. Any ideas?
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Rotator cuff tear likely.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The soreness of the shoulder at a single point and an increase in pain on certain movements is suggestive of a rotator cuff tear. The pain in the neck and near the collar bone is likely to be due to a muscle spasm. Since the movement around the shoulder is not much affected it is likely to be a minor partial tear and is likely to heal spontaneously with proper rest in 3-4 weeks.
You need to avoid all the painful activities and overhead movements till then. In case there is a visible swelling or sudden extreme pain or the pain aggravates then it is best to consult your orthopedician and get an MRI scan done.
Taking muscle relaxants like Cataflam will help in reducing the spasms.
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
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 12314 Questions

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What Causes Soreness Of Shoulder At A Single Point With History Of Shoulder Surgeries?

Brief Answer: Rotator cuff tear likely. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query. The soreness of the shoulder at a single point and an increase in pain on certain movements is suggestive of a rotator cuff tear. The pain in the neck and near the collar bone is likely to be due to a muscle spasm. Since the movement around the shoulder is not much affected it is likely to be a minor partial tear and is likely to heal spontaneously with proper rest in 3-4 weeks. You need to avoid all the painful activities and overhead movements till then. In case there is a visible swelling or sudden extreme pain or the pain aggravates then it is best to consult your orthopedician and get an MRI scan done. Taking muscle relaxants like Cataflam will help in reducing the spasms. 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