Question
i had a shoulder injury a year ago and have done physio,and a rehabilitation programme as well and still it hurts to the point we i sit and just cry and have to have time of work. when i first went for test they found intrasubstance tear and mild disc bulges atc5-6 and c6-7 but not associated with cord or nerve root compression and also a slight heterongeneity of the supraspinatus and subscapularis tendons. but still to this day it feels like a pinched nerve at the lower of my neck that hurts most days and is now causes sharp pain down my arm and hand and many headaches and the headaches are getting worse and the pain in my lower neck is alot more sore as well, but every time i say this to someone they say there,s nothing wrong , not sure what to do , need some help please as its driving me crazy as i feel like its getting worst not better, so please if u can help in anyway i would so apperated it thank you. thinking maybe i should ask for some more test to be done as its been well over a year since the last ones .

Answer
Without a proper exam I am just speculating, but it sounds like you have some muscle issues causing some nerve irritation and the headaches.  Never let anyone tell you that there is nothing that anybody can do, or that it is all in your head, if there is pain there is something wrong, pain is not normal.  There are many muscles in the back of the neck, some of them that attach to the skull.  As they get tighter, the more it pulls on the skull, causing it to lock up, causing headaches.  There are also very important nerves that exit this region, supplying the arms, hence the shoulder and arm "numbness."  I work with many people with similar complaints, and my strongest suggestion is to see a chiropractor.  But not just any chiropractor.  Just like mechanics, not every one does the same work.  I am part of a group of chiropractors that specialize in cranial distortions resulting in headaches and other problems.  If you are interested, go to www.sorsi.com to see exactly what we do and to locate a doctor near you.  I am located in St. Paul, Minnesota and would be more than happy to see you.  If you have any other questions or concerns, email me or go to my website at www.healinghandschiro.com.

Dr. Starbuck