Shoulder Pain X 2

[Misky]

A few months ago I posted about my shoulder and arm pain. I had trouble reaching behind my back and the pain in my shoulder and arm was continuing even after physiotherapy. It's even worse now and both my shoulders & arms are affected. The pain in my upper arms is sharp, I have throbbing pain in my inner elbows and my forearms ache. When I knock my arm or elbow, the pain in my shoulder makes me dizzy. I'm going back to the doctor on Thursday but I know he's going to ask what I want him to do. I don't know. Has anyone used an osteopath for this kind of thing? The doctor says it's the "soft tissue" that's the problem. He didn't want to do a scan last time because he said that's what would show up. He did give me a cortosoid injection and I can't even remember if it helped. The second arm/shoulder pain is even worse than the first and the movement restriction is getting worse all the time. Things I could do last week without problem, hurt me now. Any ideas anyone?

[Sqad]

I am not clear about an important factor here......is just ONE shoulder involved OR both shoulders.
If it is just one shoulder, them my answer:http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Body-and-Soul/Health-and-Fitness/Question1487012.html
is still pertinent.
If it is both shoulders, then my answer to the above is irrelevant and incorrect as Rotator Cuff Syndrome is incorrect.

[Misky]

It's both shoulders and both arms Sqad. Last time I was at the doctor's it was just the one, but then it started with the other side, and that now that one's worse than the first. I've still been doing exercises and resting when I can, but it's not easy!

[mintymow]

I'm no medical person but your symptoms sound a lot like PMR (poly myalgia rheumatica). I only say this because I know someone who had similar pains and it took a while to diagnose. The treatment is steroids but they work wonders according to my friend. Its just a suggestion you could mention to your doctor because they dont seem to think about it often apparently.

[Misky]

blimey Mintynow, I hope it's not that, but I will mention it. The doctor tends to say "have a look on the internet for exercises/stretches..." so I can say I've been doing my research when i come up with that one!

[jennyjoan]

they don't want to give you steroid injections due to budget/funding

[Sqad]

Right.......then you need a scan of your cervical spine before any diagnosis or treatment are entertained.

[Misky]

He's quite free and easy with giving injections to those who want them (he told me when he gave me mine in April or May that he gives about four a day). I'd rather be told a way to fix the problem by exercise or something before I rely on them all the time though...

[Misky]

Thanks Sqad. When he asks me what I want I'll say a scan, and ask him about PMR too, and ask if he has any other idea he can investigate. The appointment's not till Thursday so I've time to swot up some more.