Richard Haynes PTA/CPT - 8/13/2009

Question
Dear Richard Haynes,

I'm experiencing a problem that doctors (At least those doctors I visited) here in the New York City area seem to be puzzled by. On 07/02/2009 I was lifting dumb bell weights about 30 lbs each in both hands above my head in repetitive sets of ten times each (In an up & down motion). When I finished doing the exercises I felt fine. I have been lifting weights for the last few years for several years (6?). Well, the next evening I noticed that pain began to slowly creep in, and by 07/04/2009 my spinal cord felt like it was on fire. My right shoulder and the right side of the back of my head were also affected. I waited at least a week afterward before going to the ER, because I thought it was a temporary situation. The doctors took x-rays of my spinal cord, and I was informed they found a little arthritis. I was given pain killers, but they never x-rayed my right shoulder. I went back to the hospital I believe on 07/28/2009 for a second x-ray and they found more arthritis in my collar bone on the right side. By early August most of the pain was gone (Except if I try to do calisthenics), but here's the problem>>>>> the right arm is near totally weak of power. This is the part doctors seem to be confused about. I told the last doctor it felt like I had a Rotator Cuff injury (By my personal research fact finding mission), but he insisted the arthritis was the problem (An MRI scan was never performed, and I'm being treated like this medical condition is not important). I can hardly lift 10 lbs with my right arm without near straining. What is going on??? This is my strongest arm that only in June was lifting heavy weights, and now it's near useless as a force to do work. Once I lift the arm straight out in front of me at the neck level I feel the strain in my rib cage, and upper arm to lift it after 5 seconds, and then it gets literally weak, and I'm forced to put it down. I'm praying this condition is temporary, but since early July it has lacked strength, and now I'm VERY concerned. Have you ever heard of such a condition/injury? Once I tell the doctors the pain is gone they seem confused why am I there. But it's like I got a semi-case of overnight muscular dystrophy in my right shoulder and upper arm, and if possible I want it GONE (The only reason I say "semi" is, because I can still move it, and lift light things without eventual pain).

Mr. Haynes please tell me I'm not the first person in the world this has ever happened to, and if not, Why do these doctors act like they're confused? Can arthritis alone do all of this?

Should I end my weight lifting with that arm if any pain tries to return?

Anyway, I will await your reply. Thank you.

William

Answer
Hi William,

This is not quite what  I consider my expertise. I would however see either an orthopedist which maybe you have already when you mention you have seen doctors, or a neurologist.

Its sounds neurological possibly coming from the cervical spine where there may be some sort of nerve impingement. I doubt its the rotator cuff. This type of injury can be perplexing to most.

if this continues I would seek another opinion and get an MRI. Without that you will not be able to rule out any type of pressure being place on a nerve or other soft tissue injury.

With most doctors unless they specialize in the neck or back they will run out the nearest door they can find to avoid having to deal with it and the liability that comes with it.

Seek a specialist. Where you live there should be plenty.

Arthritis gets blamed for anything that cannot be figured out. In other words its the universal diagnosis for " I do not know". Continue to pursue another specialist. This is not something uncommon when you live in the world of weightlifting , the injury that is. Overhead pressing movements are great for shoulder strengthening but it will place stress on other areas of the spine.

Sincerely
Richard Haynes PTA/CPT
Punta Gorda, Florida.
http://www.richardhaynes.com