Q for Doc's stabbing pain in left shoulder
 

Last couple days I started getting a random debilitating pain in my left shoulder... Like being stabbed with an ice pick in the socket... totally random, I can do heavy lifting with my left arm no problem and there doesn't seem to be any particular movement that sets it off. I can be sitting at my desk or walking and BAM I'm almost brought to tears. Only lasts for five to ten seconds then goes away.

Old age (54) or get thee to a doctor?

Thanks in advance.

SmileWavy

First I'm not a doctor and you should see yours...but I have similar pain and I'm also 50... arthritis.
(I believe heart attack is right down the arm and extreme pain)

I take naproxen (Aleve) for it.

Thanks Mark, is exercise good or bad for arthritis?

I have advanced arthritis in my left shoulder. I am only 49. Poor genetics - my Mom is basically disabled by arthritis and she is 73. From my internet browsing it appears that moderate exercise is recommended to help combat arthritis. I have given up heavy weights at the gym and now incorporate range of motion exercises with lighter weights and an obsessive new love for the concept II rowing machine and minimalist running (Vibram five fingers).

Good, just don't over do it.
Naproxen is an anti-inflammatory, but don't take any more than the package says without the advice of a doctor, as it's hard on the liver. I'm built like a linebacker and thus can double the dose, but I often only take my morning dose.

You might want to get a simple x-ray at the orthopod's office just to see if something is floating around in there. Inflammation is not a good thing, it's a warning. Pills are fine if you have to, but ice packs and heat are for joints. I hate to waste the water, but a hot shower massager head beating on my shoulder is almost a daily ritual.

Thanks, I would much rather do something (exercise) than take something for it.

I suppose Whiskey and cigars are not good either?:p

Not a doctor and not to alarm, BUT...........

Do you have any numbness also?

Sudden pain in arm, numbness etc - symtoms of stroke, even minor one!

My B.I.L is getting final tests for TIA

TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack)

Don't mess around with this! Get yourself to doctor asap!

If it's not, then at least you're cleared and no harm done.

Is there a knife sticking out of your back?












(I'm so sorry, I had to say it......)

Don't follow my advice.


If it were me, I would wait a few months to see if it went away. If it did, great. If it didn't, and nothing worse happened, then I would learn to live with it. If it got worse after a few months, I would wait a few more to make sure it was getting worse.

possible rotator cuff?

I distinctly said ice pick!

And ever since the bat bite I haven't been able to use a mirror...

But I did recently get married... Hmmmmm

Scott,
My gout started in my right shoulder. Incredible sharp, stabbing pain completely unrelated to movement or activity. Try 220mg of Aleve, then see a Dr and get your Serum Uric Acid (SUA) checked. Gout can (and does) affect other joints besides the big toe.