Question
QUESTION: Hello
I'm 32yrs old and for the past few years I have had bouts of pain which starts off in the area between my inner-edge of my shoulder blades and the side of my spine then during the day it creeps up to the top of my back where it meets the base of my neck bone, then into the mid section of my neck, it feels very tense, dull but painful aching sensation, very painful in the areas mentioned when I move my neck and arms, normally starts in my left shoulder but nearly always then progresses into my right one too. I  can be fine for a few months then something sets off a bout of it again, lasting for approx 6 weeks or more, It hurts to drive,or if I move my arms, especially if I move them at the same time, If I sit and rest I still get pain and a stiff like feeling.I get very little sleep due to the pain, and often if I get up in the night, I have to hold my arms very still to prevent sudden severe pain. I don't do anything sporty but If I walk my dog then that will always start the condition off again, Heat and pressing against something gives me slight relief. Can you give me your thoughts on what it is and best to treat it. Thanks

ANSWER: Hi Amanda,

You didn't mention whether you have consulted anyone about this.  It is obviously a chronic problem of some sort.  It is difficult to tell you much without a direct examination.

It sounds as if you may be developing a postural conditioning problem but you need an evaluation to be sure.

Often this will require some rehabilitation exercises, posture work as well as treatment.

The alternative is to let it progress until it is more frequent and/or more debilitating.

Bottom-line- a chiropractic consult would be the best advice that I can give.

Hope this helps.

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

QUESTION: Sorry not to have mentioned my previous treatment, I have had physio and ultra-sound, I shall now be happy to continue with this as I feel what you have said matches what I have been told before by my Dr. Thanks again!
Amanda

Answer
Hi again,

Chiropractic can often speed the progress of therapy by specific joint mobilization.  Portions of a joint can be restricted that one cannot get moving by passive stretch.

When the joint play is full, the other therapies are more effective as well.

Just a thought.

Do well.