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What Does Dropped Shoulder Mean?

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Posted on Wed, 18 Mar 2015
Question: Hey, every time I get fitted for suits the attendant tells me I have a dropped shoulder. What does this mean?

As a side question, does it ergonomically matter if I sleep on my left side every night?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ahmad (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Hi lets rule out one possibility

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for writng to health care magic,

I am Dr.Muhammad Ahmad
Resident M.D, I have read your answer and will try to help you in best possible way.

One main cause of pathological shoulder drop is "winged scapula" i would like to read about it in net and look at some pictures of it .. do you think you have it? if not then we will talk of other possibilities.

Waiting for your input.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Muhammad Ahmad (9 minutes later)
my scapula does wing on that side when I cross my arms.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ahmad (14 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Need you ti answer a few queries.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for writing back,

I would like you to answer a few questions then i will conclude the discussion with my opinion and suggestions.

1) Since when this thing was noted by you or others? was it since childhood?

2) Does it interfare with you normal every day functioning?

3) is the wing on one side or both sides?

4) Is your shoulder lowering assosiated with any particular posture or it stays same all the time?

5) Any history of trauma or accident in neck region?

6) How was the delivery when you were born? C-Section or normal? do you know about it?

I am waiting for your input.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Muhammad Ahmad (36 hours later)
1: only the last couple of years
2: not that I know of but I do have a pain the seems to be related to my ribs near the spine
3:just the right side
4: not sure
5: my neck was injured by the wind pulling it too far in one direction while on my motorcycle. I'm sure there have been other injuries also
6: normal birth, no complications
doctor
Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ahmad (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
There shouldn't be any serious outcome.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for writing back,

For diagnosis of winged scapula one needs to undergo some musculo-skeletal examination, even a simple GP can catch the issue if there is one.

I would like to encourage you to visit a GP just for checkup.

What can be done?:

Well there are many people with winged scapula(yet to be confirmed by doctor) , all those people more o less live normal lives and usually their body learn to function with it, other muscles learn to compensate the weakened muscles of winged scapula so they don't face any issues in normal functioning of life.


In most of cases one doesn't need any intervention or treatment only physiotherapy is required in few cases.

I would suggest you to visit a GP or an orthipedic doctor for evaluation and treatment options they can offer (if required)

Now we come to issue of sleeping at left, Why are you concerned about it and what are your doubts about it? if you would like to share with me?

Thanks

Dr.Ahmad

Resident M.D.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Muhammad Ahmad (8 hours later)
I'm wondering if I sleep on my right side every night, if my will joints and spine start to get squashed on that side. I also was thinking that could be the cause of my scapula issue.

Great responses so far, I appreciate your help.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ahmad (12 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
That is very less likely.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for writing back, and appretiating my responses , I always try to come up with responses which can relieve the anxiety of my patients, there are always positives in every thing.

No SIR..!! sleeping on a particular side DOES NOT cause any issues... our body is strong enough to bear it's weight.

As far as scapula is concerned it should be checked by a doctor in person to be labeled as winged. Just wind during bike ride rarelt cause this thing as our neck muscles are quite strong , but still do get a checkup.

You can get back to me any time through my profile, From there it would be me answering you.

Stay blessed an healthy I am always open to your queries.

Regards

Dr.Muhammad Ahmad

Resident M.D.
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
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Muhammad Ahmad

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 1308 Questions

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What Does Dropped Shoulder Mean?

Brief Answer: Hi lets rule out one possibility Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for writng to health care magic, I am Dr.Muhammad Ahmad Resident M.D, I have read your answer and will try to help you in best possible way. One main cause of pathological shoulder drop is "winged scapula" i would like to read about it in net and look at some pictures of it .. do you think you have it? if not then we will talk of other possibilities. Waiting for your input.