Hey back buddies,
I looked for a different healthboard to ask this on, but I couldn't find one that seemed more appropriate. I need to know what kind of doctor to see for this.

A couple of weeks ago, I reached to turn off my alarm clock and did something to my arm. Usually I wake up before the alarm or I don't set it at all. If I've needed it, I've happened to be lying in a position that I could reach it okay. But I was on my back and reached out fast so it wouldn't wake up my husband on his one day to sleep in. I'm just not used to the less mobility in my spine yet and in my sleepiness I just did what I've always done. My back didn't cooperate! Silly spine, just because it's fused it thinks it shouldn't move how I want it to!

I had a hard time reaching the clock, out to the side and kind of upwards. I've had pain in that upper arm and some milder pain up over the shoulder ever since. I asked my PTist about it. She said she's legally not allowed to diagnose or to treat without a doctor's prescription. But she did "just happen" to mention rotator cuff in the conversation. She suggested icing it, but was not able to give me specific exercises except to stop doing a few things. I looked up some info on rotator cuff and that sure sounds like what's injured. Who do I see for that? Ortho? Family doctor? Just wait it out for a while? Anyone else have any (unwanted) experience with this?

Thanks for whatever info you guys can give me.

Emily

Oh no!! I am so sorry for your new pain and pray that it is nothing more than a muscle. Personally, since it has been a couple of weeks, I would see your GP and have them diagnose it and do any work ups necessary.

Good luck.

Emily, preferably see an ortho on this directly if you have a PPO insurance. Cuz if you have anything going on there... that is where you will end up anyway by referral from a GP. BUT if not.. GP is a fine place to begin.

Feel better. Isn't something with these backs.. seems that once we start with things.. our bodies just fall apart. My knees have been an issue since the surgery and they were fine before! Go figure! :p

Tam :wave:

I have recently had my shoulder operated on. I was getting pains down my bicep and from my shoulder to my neck. I could hardly hold much for any longer that a minute or two. To raise my shoulder would hurt. I had a scan done and it found that I had a calcified shoulder and I was injected with Quartezone. Now this really did work as I was able to move my arm about again. I saw an Orthapedic Doctor and he operated on it. That was over six weeks ago and I'm still having trouble with movement. Will see about it after easter. So it does sound like a roator or just calcification of your shoulder. And there is another but I'm not sure if its the same as a calcified shoulder and thats a frozed shoulder. And like Justoneofus has said once one thing goes its seems like other parts tend to follow as it is with me to. I hate it but its my life and we all have to find ways to cope as best as we can. But all the best and I hope things get better. The Tattman :wave:

I am so sorry this happened to you, this along with back problems, bummer. I think a ortho doc may be the one. I hope you feel better soon.
Rachel

Thanks for the replies. I probably would have just stuck it out for another week cuz I'm stubborn. But I called my ortho and he's going to look at it. He only does backs, but he can still diagnose what's going on. If it needs surgery, he'll refer me on to a different surgeon. I asked him to please not use the "s" word!

He said the same thing the PTist said: ice it, rest it, but don't stop using it so it doesn't freeze up. I don't do ice well, but I'm being a good patient and doing as I'm told.

Thanks for your good advice!

Emily

I will be praying for you and hope you find some relief soon.