Question
I have been have unbearable pain in my left scapula area which then radiates to my neck and head after a day or so.  This pain starts suddenly and slowly increases.  I have tried over the counter medication but nothing seems to help.  I have a high tolerance to medication and nothing seems to give me relief. Ice packs and heat give very little relief.  I have seen Doctors, had x-rays, CT scans, etc. and no solution has been found for me.  I still don't know exactly what is is or how to treat it.  The pain I get is so bad that I can't carry out activities of daily living.  My life comes to a standstill.  This usually lasts for a week or more before going away and then it may only be for a day or so and it will start up again. I am a active 69 year old white female.  What can I do for relief? Do I have arthritis or spasms?

Answer
Hello, Bev.

You got it right:  you have spasms.

Spasms are a reflexive action.  They indicate the need to improve control of the involved muscles to free them and recover normal movement.  Medication can't do that.

You may have sessions with a clinical somatic educator to end the spasms or you may use a self-help program.

List of practitioners:

http://www.hannasomatics.com/practitioners

Write if you want a recommendation for a self-help program.