Shoulder pain and dead arm

[cheapimitation]

I've not had shoulder pain, but have had persistent pain in my elbow and ring and middle finger of plucking hand for a long time, and the situation improved greatly when I cut all added salt out of my diet (which was and continues to be vegan non-processed). Was hard to do but the benefit only took a few weeks to appear. Seems like salt, among many other foods, can cause inflammation. Of course it is unknown whether it would help your condition.

 

[ultra60]

a massage can make things worse, so definitely make sure it's someone with training.

A massage can indeed make things worse, especially deep tissue massage. Do nothing until consulting a Dr. If physical therapy involving deep tissue massage is suggested, and it's anywhere near the Brachial Plexus, just be very careful.

 

[monsterthompson]

One of these straps could be in the OP’s future.

Guitar Strap | Bass Strap | Slinger Straps Ergonomic Guitar Straps

They are options for changing the weight distribution across the strap. A friend of mine started this company and I was an early lab rat for the hip strap.

 

[monsterthompson]

This could be something that is officially called "frozen shoulder". Look it up and see if it's a match.

That’s a brutal condition.

 

[Kmonk]

Clicking usually indicates a cartilage issues. In the shoulder, it's usually due to a problem with the labrum. I had shoulder surgery about 8 years ago. I had multiple tears in the rotator cuff, bursar, labrum, bone spurs and impingement of the bicep tendon. It was the result of years of playing full contact ice hockey. I had surgery and haven't had any problems since. If surgery is discussed, make sure to research the doctor's credentials such as medical school, malpractice lawsuits, disciplinary action, etc. Most states have websites wear you can find this information. I'm fortunate that I live about 25 miles south of Boston and have access to excellent doctors. The surgeon who operated on my shoulder was partners with the former team doctor for the Boston Celtics. Get a good doctor and you should be fine.

 

[xnewyorka]

That’s a brutal condition.

I know. I had it once. It sounded a lot like the OP.
I just did the physical therapy as prescribed, and after several weeks, it was gone, exactly as the orthopedist promised.

 

[Indiana Mike]

I'm betting pinched nerve due to disc in neck ,bone spurs in neck or shoulder or thorasic outlet syndrome.

That'll give you plenty to google.

Hope you heal and get better

 

[Rickter]

While it may not be exactly the same symptoms as yours, a couple of years ago I was on this very forum asking the community about my fretting hand going numb while playing. There were a lot of good suggestions and many concerns of it being CTS, but in the end I determined that it was due to bass positioning. I played my moderately high and it turns out that keeping my left arm at a constant bend was slowly cutting off circulation, making my left hand go numb after a few songs. Now I play with my bass at roughly waist level and I rarely have the problem. All of that to say, your seeing the Dr is a good thing, but don't overlook the possible environmental factors that may be contributing to the issue.

 

[MrLenny1]

You're symptoms sound like what I have. Ulner nerve atrophy.
See a Doc.

 

[Koshchei]

I’ve had a slightly crunchy shoulder for a while. No pain or real restriction of movement, just a few clicks. Since maybe just before Christmas it’s got worse. I’ve left it because I thought it was a tendinitis thing that would get better on its own eventually. Today I’ve had to take painkillers just to use the mouse on my computer at work. I get shooting pains when so do certain movements. I get caught out with this once every couple if days now. Not when heavy lifting more like extreme extension or moving my bent arm in front of my chest etc. This is my right ram (plucking). Over the last 2 days I’ve felt a kind of tightness in my wrist too. Now I’ve got forearm tightness and almost (but not quite) pins and needles in my right hand. My right arm just feels heavy and almost dead and my shoulder seems to have dropped lower than my left one. I’ve got a docs appointment next week but thought I’d scare myself in the meantime by asking you all if this sounds familiar to anyone? I gave it a rest from all cycling and playing for about 10 days in April but it didn’t make any difference.
I also mountain bike and did a race last weekend which probably didn’t help. I've also been practicing a bit more recently as I’ve got a new teacher. I’ve been playing about 3 years now. Any advice or tips?

Get thee to a specialist stat. You'll probably need an MRI to assess the level of damage, but you may be looking at surgery and a LONG recovery. Could be a labral tear and nerve damage if your shoulder won't sit in its socket properly.

 

[Skillet]

I would investigate Trigger Point Therapy. This how-to paperback manual is excellent.... trigger point therapy manual: ... with the use of a lacrosse ball I have been able to effectively diminish or eliminate most myofascial pain. Check it out and good luck.

I just ordered this. It seems to have helped a Lot of people. Worth a shot. Thanks for the tip.

 

[arbiterusa]

Any advice or tips?

Never ask anyone on the internet for medical advice. You need to see a doctor.

 

[Skillet]

Guy mentions he has a doctor's appointment scheduled in the Original Post. 15 people tell him to please see a doctor.
I hope we can convince him......

 

[basted]

Sorry to hear about your problem Yonni. You could try using your mouse with your other hand. My wife had to do that as she was having recurring problems with her hand and arm. Awkward at first but it helped her get better.

 

[Commreman]

I've gone through something similar in my right shoulder. 20 years ago I was pretty competitive as a mountain biker, but haven't done that in a long time (I'll be 59 next month). I had tingling from my shoulder through my hand, and then pain in the shoulder. Had an MRI done. Turned out my shoulder had developed small bone spurs, which in turn were impinging the top of my bicep, and caused small tears in my labrum and rotator cuff. All were small, and surgery was not recommended. What did I do? PRP (platelet rich plasma) therapy. That, combined with physical therapy has worked well. I am not totally healed yet, but it is MUCH better. The PRP was not covered by insurance, and put me out $800.00 - well worth it not to get cut. If the PRP was only partially successful, the next step would have been amniotic stem cells. I don't think that step will be necessary.

 

[StatesideRambler]

For muscle pain massage may be good or bad. If it’s fatigue or mild strain, probably [likely] helpful; if it’s severe strain, massage may aggravate the already-damaged tissue. For tendons and bursa massage ranges from “not very useful” to further damaging those tissues. My ortho surgeon was concerned with massage extending the damage to the blood capillaries. If you treat yourself at all, just put an ice pack on the joint 20 minutes per hour. Never apply heat unless your doctor instructs you to do so. The medical rule of thumb is that the worst case with ice is that it might be ineffective while the worst case with heat is further harm.

Ah, hell, what do I know? I’m just parroting my experience with shoulder pain ... and surgery ... and PT ... and repeat it all eight years later ...

 

[dbsfgyd1]

I’ve had a slightly crunchy shoulder for a while. No pain or real restriction of movement, just a few clicks. Since maybe just before Christmas it’s got worse. I’ve left it because I thought it was a tendinitis thing that would get better on its own eventually. Today I’ve had to take painkillers just to use the mouse on my computer at work. I get shooting pains when so do certain movements. I get caught out with this once every couple if days now. Not when heavy lifting more like extreme extension or moving my bent arm in front of my chest etc. This is my right ram (plucking). Over the last 2 days I’ve felt a kind of tightness in my wrist too. Now I’ve got forearm tightness and almost (but not quite) pins and needles in my right hand. My right arm just feels heavy and almost dead and my shoulder seems to have dropped lower than my left one. I’ve got a docs appointment next week but thought I’d scare myself in the meantime by asking you all if this sounds familiar to anyone? I gave it a rest from all cycling and playing for about 10 days in April but it didn’t make any difference.
I also mountain bike and did a race last weekend which probably didn’t help. I've also been practicing a bit more recently as I’ve got a new teacher. I’ve been playing about 3 years now. Any advice or tips?

My right shoulder has developed tendinitis too. I find it odd as one might think the left shoulder that supports most of the load of a bass should be the one giving issues.

 

[Stranger Danger]

I’ve had a slightly crunchy shoulder for a while. No pain or real restriction of movement, just a few clicks. Since maybe just before Christmas it’s got worse. I’ve left it because I thought it was a tendinitis thing that would get better on its own eventually. Today I’ve had to take painkillers just to use the mouse on my computer at work. I get shooting pains when so do certain movements. I get caught out with this once every couple if days now. Not when heavy lifting more like extreme extension or moving my bent arm in front of my chest etc. This is my right ram (plucking). Over the last 2 days I’ve felt a kind of tightness in my wrist too. Now I’ve got forearm tightness and almost (but not quite) pins and needles in my right hand. My right arm just feels heavy and almost dead and my shoulder seems to have dropped lower than my left one. I’ve got a docs appointment next week but thought I’d scare myself in the meantime by asking you all if this sounds familiar to anyone? I gave it a rest from all cycling and playing for about 10 days in April but it didn’t make any difference.
I also mountain bike and did a race last weekend which probably didn’t help. I've also been practicing a bit more recently as I’ve got a new teacher. I’ve been playing about 3 years now. Any advice or tips?

It's more than likely your spine not your shoulder. Go see a neurologist. I have two spots in my back that give me trouble. I am avoiding surgery as long as I can. I play a lighter bass now (8 lbs) and use a Comfort Strapp (the narrower one made for guitar) which has helped immensely.
Comfort Strapp™ – Comfort Strapp™ Guitar Straps

 

[pcake]

i've started having more problems with my right shoulder again, and i couldn't figure out why - till about 15 minutes ago. i got a new filter water pitcher, and last week my husband pointed out you have to hold it much higher and at an extreme angle to pour out of it. true, but i only just noticed it's putting a lot of strain all the way up my arm to pour it. you wouldn't think such a small thing could be a problem, but i have scar tissue in that shoulder, and i usually hold it for a while repeatedly to fill half gallon or gallon bottles.

shoulders and joints, man - they are so vulnerable.

My right shoulder has developed tendinitis too. I find it odd as one might think the left shoulder that supports most of the load of a bass should be the one giving issues.

i have had issues with both my shoulders, but the one that's currently problematic is my right one, also.

 

[jmlee]

Before you decide to wait it out until your appointment, please ensure that you don't have a more serious cardiovascular problem. [BTW, I'm a biomedical engineering professor so don't take me as any substitute for a genuine physician. However, do the obvious at least.] Compare the colour of your fingernails on the affected and unaffected sides, then also squeeze a given nail—say on the index finger—quite hard on both sides (one at a time) and look at how long it takes the colour to return. Is there any swelling in the lower arm (again, comparing sides). Are there any symptoms on the affected side that are *not* shoulder or below, say in the leg or abdominal muscles? Any new vision issues on the opposite side to the affected arm? Any such significant effects could be a sign of an occluded blood vessel or stroke—and get thee to emerg. Pronto.