Question: I have had a sore neck for several months. I have also had severe pain in my right shoulder. I cannot recall any specific injury or fall that could have caused these symptoms. Initially, the shoulder problem seemed to express itself as wrist pain. I thought my wrist was broken and an orthopedist took xrays and determined the pain might be caused by a tendon injury in my wrist to thumb area. He have a steroid injection and the problem eas much better for a few days. About a month later my upper arm began to ache. I returned to the same orthopedist who after taking xrays concluded the problem was in my shoulder. My opposite shoulder caused pain years earlier and after 5-6 surgeries the joint was replaced. The pain in my current aching shoulder is unlike the shoulder that was replaced. Following a steroid injection in my aching shoulder pain was significantly relieved. I have also experienced moderate pain in my wrist and ankle joints but the pain does not last long. No increase in pain in the shoulder that was replaced. The pain in my other shoulder is enough to keep me up at night. The pain is substantial. Wondering if the neck and joint pain are related.

Any medications that are effective in pain relief? Due to pain with the shoulder that was replaced (Lortab) I do not desire to take anything stronger. I am a caregiver to an 8 year old and need to be attentive. The Lortab does little, if anything to the more painful shoulder.