Richard Haynes PTA/CPT - 8/7/2009

Question
Dear Dr.Haynes, I am male (33 years old) and my question is:
I started to have shoulder problems (pain and cracking sound at the shoulder joints (both),when trying to move hands,in 1999. In the following years i.e fron 99-2001 i did some 20 or more x-rays of the shoulder joints,neck and spinal cord to see what the problem was but nothing could be detected on the x-rays,and also on these same years I also did twice magnetic resonance imaging of the shoulder joints and here also nothing could be detected and the doctor who was diagnosing me told me than I may have an instability of the shoulders or chronic periarthritis and to do some light exercises to strengthen the muscles of the shoulders.
Now,10 years after I first had these symptoms I still have the problems i.e. pain and cracking sound (as if the bones are breaking) on movement of the hands, weak muscles of the joints of the shoulders and assymetric shoulders.
I would like to do some more x-rays to see the condition of the joint bones after 10 years of cracking and pain but I am afraid that the 20 or more x-rays I did before have exposed me to dangerous levels of radiation and that any more x-ray would expose me to cancers.
Dear Dr.Haynes, my question is what safe tests could I do so see the condition of my shoulders (bones, tendons, muscles etc..)
and based on my description of my case what would be your expert opinion as to what could be my problem?
Thank you
Sincerely
Bruce  

Answer
Hi Bruce,

Thanks for the title of Doctor but Iam not a doctor. I work in the field of Physical Therapy and my speciality is orthopedics.

I would go get some more tests done if the problem is not resolved. I would not get too concerned about the radiation levels if you have not had the problem resolved.

After 10 years another opinion form an orthopedic Doctor may be the answer you need.
maybe a neurologist might be helpful due to the weakness you are  having down both arms.

Could be some nerve compression involved coming  out of the cervical spine or neck area from scar tissue build-up or bone.

I would get some more testing done at this time. Your doctor may give you some options on safe testing yet one that will get you answers.

Richard Haynes PTA/CPT
Punta Gorda, Florida.