Question
QUESTION: My friend and I have been walking 4 - 5 days per week for 40 - 45 minutes.  I was wearing tennis shoes.  We were walking on grass, then pavement.  It has now gotten hot and have started walking in the mall - tile floor.   I started wearing flip flops - we are up to 3.3 miles in 40 minutes.  We have been doing this for 2 weeks half way in to the 2nd week my upper left should has started to hurt - burning - but not deep into the body burn.  I also was carrying my purse on my left shoulder.  Do you feel as I do that I have done something to my upper back causing the intermitent burning that has not yet gone away - about 5 days.  Your opinion is appreciated - not out of breath walking - we carry on a conversation and I have no other symptoms - my chest ribs and neck do not hurt.  Thank you.

ANSWER: Lauren,

Your symptoms are from postural strain to the upper back or shoulder "girdle" region.  There is some kind of mechanical imbalance or an underlying joint dysfunction or a muscular (and fascial) adhesion or all of the above.  Regardless, the way to fix it is to create balance and undo the functional barriers.   I'd first suggest you do not carry a purse and also change from flip-flops to athletic shoes.   Stretching your shoulders and upper back muscles is a start.  Otherwise, you have to see a chiropractor to get the "kinks" worked out of the area.  Lastly, adding a bit of weight (or resistive) training to the shoulder girdle and upper back is a way to condition the area and help prevent postural strains.  

'Hope this was helpful.

'Dr. G

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much for your quick reply.  I went walking in the mall today with athletic shoes; no purse.  I wonder if I should wait for my pain to subside in my shoulder region before I start stretching.  My pain is not severe - I use Biofreeze at night with a gel pack - but nothing during the day. Plus I sit at a computer all day. I can understand using some hand weights while walking to improve this area, but should I not wait for the pain to subside - healing.  I'm guessing six weeks to be pain free - Am I correct on this.  I have no pain lifting my arm, but have some pain with resistance.  Also walking today it was somewhat painful to let my arm remain at my side while walking, but holding it bent at the elbow was okay.  FYI I started this walking regime 6 months ago - so I do feel my symptoms were connected to the past two weeks on the tile with purse and flip flops.  I do not take any OTC medications (or any other medication for that matter) and don't want to.  I sincerely appreciate your input and the service you offer - I rated you a 10:)  If it helps in your consultation to me I am 53 yrs old and slightly overweight.  Also - you recommended stretching - in what way am I supposed to do that?  It might be obvious to you but I don't know what shoulder stretching you refer to.  Thank you and I look forward to your reply.   Lauren

Answer
Lauren,

Understand that it is very hard to describe how-to's on the internet with typed text.   There are many resources where you can see pictures of how to do stretches.   Try googling it.  You can go to sites like www.coreessentials.biz and see little video clips and photos.   You could benefit from a physical exam and some treatment by a chiropractor.   Find someone that has additional training via: www.acbsp.com   www.grastontechnique.com   www.activereleasetechniques.com   or www.westhartfordgroup.com   Don't wait for the pain to go away before stretching and exercising.  I'd recommend the opposite, but only if your body is free of the barriers that could be creating the physical pain.  That's what we aim to do as chiropractors.  

'Good luck,

Dr. G