Question
Dear Doc
I have gone for my 1st visit at a chiropractor for right shoulder pain that was constant for about 3 months now. Antiflam meds did not work and I thought it would be frozen shoulder. He examined me and said I have a deltoid muscle injury? I have limited movements when my arm is lifted, rotated or moved. The chiropractor inserted 3 long needles into my arm to relieve the tension / pain? And he moved an ultraviolet machine that emits heat onto that area? He advised me to come within 2 weeks again, but I am still in heavy pain and it feels really uncomfortable. Please help?

Answer
Hello Portia,


    You may want to have a MRI of the shoulder to see exactly which area is causing the pain.  Orthopedic tests can be accurate during the doctors exam but a MRI will show any damage to the cartilage and soft tissues (muscles, ligaments, etc.).  Most muscular injuries heal in 4-6 weeks, tendon and ligament injuries can be several months.  Scar tissue from the injury can also causing lingering symptoms.  With the results of the MRI a proper treatment plan can be used.  In general Doctors will treat their patients 4-6x before they order a MRI.

Have a great day,
Dr. Brendon O'Brien D.C.