I was wondering if anyone knows if these symptoms are similar to arthritis symptoms.
I have a dull achy feeling in the front of my shoulder going down toward my chest muscle. Sometimes there is a pins and needles sensation. There is a cracking sound when I move my shoulder around. Ice seems to help and it usually feels fine when I wake up as long as I haven't slept on it. Then it starts to get worse as the day goes on. Also, the muscle (?) leading from my shoulder to my neck feels really stiff.

What do you think??

Hi Debbie,

It might be arthritis?! Have you been to your family dr. about this? If not, you should. He/she will most like refer you to a rheumatologist, who could really help you.

Is this your "main shoulder" ? Like, if you are right handed, is it your right shoulder? Do you do repetitions of stuff all day long? Parts of it sound like my arthritis, but not the part, where it goes to your chest. And not the pins and needles?! But, that does not necessarily mean anything. Does heat help it too? Mine arthritis is usually worse in the am and the pm. I take several meds for it, tho. Not just in my shoulder, mine is in other places too.

Plus, it could be a combination of arthritis, stress and indigestion?! Take care and get it checked out by a dr.

Wannabe

Arthritis of the shoulder, unless you have a genetic type, will only present itself if you had injury in the past.
I agree with Panda that it sounds like a nerve impingment but the question is from what. There could be a spur in your shoulder that is pinching something, it could be a torn rotator but that usually leaves you with weakness and pain on the bicep or it could be arthritis caused by some form of damage in the past.
I would probably opt for an Orthopeadist before a Nuero because the pain is in the front and relieved by ice. Do not use heat if you show any signs of swelling, heat increase blood flow and stimulation which in turn increases swelling no matter how great it feels.
Where exactly is your pins and needles feeling? Your arm or your hand/fingers?
Also, I presented in a very similar manner minus the chest pains and it turned out that c4-c7 were herniated and crushing the spinal cord so what may appear as a shoulder problem could in fact be your neck as well and something to keep in mind.