HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Treatment For Right Shoulder Discomfort And Loss Of Strength

default
Posted on Mon, 24 Nov 2014
Question: What could be the causes of right shoulder discomfort/loss of strength/loss of mobility for a C3 incomplete quadriplegic (function close to C4)?
Usually have good right shoulder shrug and can push my right shoulder forward a bit. Experiencing weakness/loss of mobility and discomfort the last 3 days
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Cause of quadriplegia is important to re-evaluate

Detailed Answer:
Hi there, Thanks for coming back to HealthcareMagic.

From what I understand. You have an issue which has caused complete quadriplegia at around the C3-C4 level. I'd really like to know what caused this. The reason being, if there was a traumatic injury.. then the joint may have become unstable again.

In any case. I would recommend an immediate CT scan of the cervical spine to make sure there is no new injury to the cord. If there are any implants stabilizing the area, we have to make sure none of them have migrated.

A new or worsening injury to the c-spine iis the worst case scenario and MUST be ruled out. But there are other more benign possibilities. Did you strain your shoulder or injure it in any way? Have you been having Physical therapy?

An x-ray of the shoulder will rule out any issue like that.

So, to really evaluate this, you need to get to your doctor and get these x-rays and CT's done at the earliest. To control the pain, I would recommend an OTC Pain killer like Acetaminophen (if your liver is healthy) or Ibuprofen (if your liver is not healthy but your kidneys are).

I hope this helps. Once you get that imaging, please do let me know that everything is OK.

Vinay

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj (19 minutes later)
My C3 injury was caused 5years ago by a fall from 3 stories high. No arm fractures or shoulder injury. Only other injuries were to my pelvis and legs.
No physio at the moment.
Thanks for the suggestions.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj (9 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
OK, imaging is important

Detailed Answer:
Ok, i'm assuming they stabilized the injury to the neck with some internal fixation. We need to make sure everything in there is as it should be. That CT scan is important to my mind. Take care

Vin
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj (47 hours later)
Because you asked for a update.
Saw my Physiatrist. She said it's a injury of my rhomboid. Probably did that with a spasm I can trigger that pulls my shoulders back. MRI is ordered to check on the extant of the damage. For now she advised me to rest my shoulder and apply heat/cold, whatever 'feels' better.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Whew!

Detailed Answer:
I'm glad it's not your neck. I'm inclined to agree with her. If you would like, upload your MRI results and we will go over them at your convenience.

If there is anything else I can help you with, i'm here.

Vin
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj (2 days later)
Geez believe me when I say nobody's more glad it's not anything with my neck than me. Thanks for the offer to read my MRI results, gonna be at least another week till that appointment. And I'm confident that my doc is more than capable of interpreting it. Thanks though.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Great, Am here if you need me

Detailed Answer:
Good to hear from you! Will always be happy to help.

Vin
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 544 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Treatment For Right Shoulder Discomfort And Loss Of Strength

Brief Answer: Cause of quadriplegia is important to re-evaluate Detailed Answer: Hi there, Thanks for coming back to HealthcareMagic. From what I understand. You have an issue which has caused complete quadriplegia at around the C3-C4 level. I'd really like to know what caused this. The reason being, if there was a traumatic injury.. then the joint may have become unstable again. In any case. I would recommend an immediate CT scan of the cervical spine to make sure there is no new injury to the cord. If there are any implants stabilizing the area, we have to make sure none of them have migrated. A new or worsening injury to the c-spine iis the worst case scenario and MUST be ruled out. But there are other more benign possibilities. Did you strain your shoulder or injure it in any way? Have you been having Physical therapy? An x-ray of the shoulder will rule out any issue like that. So, to really evaluate this, you need to get to your doctor and get these x-rays and CT's done at the earliest. To control the pain, I would recommend an OTC Pain killer like Acetaminophen (if your liver is healthy) or Ibuprofen (if your liver is not healthy but your kidneys are). I hope this helps. Once you get that imaging, please do let me know that everything is OK. Vinay