Shoulder pain

[BenHall1]

I do hope this is an appropriate forum.

I have experienced pain in both shoulders for some 7 years and am in Cornwall UK. Initially the right shoulder was the biggest problem which was resolved by a steroid injection into my right shoulder on 1 April 2022. I had minimal physio prior to and some for a time after the injection. Sorted! So, today, I still have good range of movement and only minor shoulder discomfort .... the great thing is I can get dressed on my own without assistance from my wife getting my arm into a shirt sleeve or jacket sleeve ... all bending motions are great.

Since April 2024 however, I have started experiencing increasing numbness down the right arm and pain between the thumb and first two fingers - suspect Carpel Tunnel problems. However, I feel the root cause is injury and/or aging issues ( some kinda arthritis ) in the left shoulder, spreading across/ being carried across to the right shoulder and a consequent nerve pinching problem/ carpel tunnel problem.

I might add that some 25 years ago I slipped off a bungalow roof and speared right shoulder first into a timber deck. Although amazingly nothing broke it did push my right clavicle out of alignment. Never treated.

In any event, I’m getting nowhere with my GP, all she does is keep referring me to Physio for treatment. Now here is the rub ….. I keep telling these Physios that I have difficulty in doing their prescribed exercises ( aimed at increasing the strength of the shoulder ) because of pain the in shoulder joint. In terms of treatment they all seem obsessed with improving strength in the shoulder and improving range of movement not addressing the source and cause of the pain.

Unfortunately my sleeping position is not conducive to success as I am a side sleeper ( I cannot sleep on my back ). So, pain wise I start off sleeping on my right side ( all OK ) but during the night move to my left side and ultimately wake up at some point in pain. Then there is the problem of settling the pain and a disturbed nights sleep. Then there is the living with the intensity of pain, if it is dry and sunny with low humidity There is little pain, and if the weather is damp, moist and humid or there is about to be a weather change there is high grade pain.

I feel nobody is listening to me and certainly my GP ( a young woman aged probably in her mid 30’s ) seems obsessed with Physio. Frankly my latest NHS Hospital Physio is much shorter than me and is so young it looks as if she has just stepped out of High School or a Physio Training Academy ! My initial thoughts are that I will ask for a second opinion with the most senior GP Partner in the Surgery Practice and if that doesn’t achieve a more positive result, make a formal complaint about my treatment to the Care Quality Commission with the request they investigate.

Before I go there I wonder if anyone out there has any other suggestions I might look at.

Many thanks,

John

[etheral]

Possibly a CT or MRI of the cervical spine may be helpful in showing possible nerve impingement.

[Cavalierrubie]

Hi John. You sound in much pain so can understand your worries. The first thing l would ask for is an x-ray of my shoulder to find out exactly what the problem is. I have heard this so many times that physio can make things worse for some, l think you need a second opinion with the senior GP to voice your concerns re. the lack of care you are receiving. . Best of luck.

[BenHall1 in reply to Cavalierrubie]

Hi Cavalierrubie,

Thanks for your comments - and also those from Etheral. I'm mulling over these comments but I have to say one thing has triggered in my mind my surgery is possibly adopting an Ageism/ or an Ageist approach to my well being ! Look I've just turned 80. I stopped working ( driving buses ) on 5 July 2024. All appointments are telephone style these days. Unless there is a need for a face to face appointment - like an injection or stethascope check of my chest of course.

I am aware I don't look 80, sound 80 or think 80 and in the case of telephone appointments I understand this may work against me. In effect I am suggesting my surgery and GP thinks that - oh! it doesn't matter he is old ................ ! No need to take him seriously.

My right shoulder was Xrayed on 12/12/18 and injected on 1/4/ 22. The injection was based on a 3 & half year old Xray.

My left shoulder was Xrayed on 25/9/20 with only occasional physio therapy up until now and my next Physio is on 11/11/24. I have had two injections one at the MSK Interface Clinic on 17/4/2024 and the other on 26/7/24 at my surgery. But nothing has worked and I'm not naturally a patient person. Nor is anyon e at Surgery anxious to investigate the shoulder further ............ I can imagine the reaction from my surgery at my suggesting a CT or MRI 😱.

I think I will go with the next Physio but after that I think I'll pay for a private consultation with an independant Physio to determine a way forward. My next discussion on this matter has now been arranged for early Jan 2025. I don't think thats gonna happen by the time I made my complaint.

Thank you both.

John