What Could Cause Severe And Recurrent Pain Developed On Both Her Shoulders In An Elderly Woman?

Posted on Thu, 17 Nov 2022

Question: Hello Doctor, I am writing on behalf of my mother who is 77 years old and I have pasted her medical history from her profile. I am writing to you now with regards to a pain developed on both her shoulders (left shoulder is more severe and more recurring) for the past 2 months. We have visited Orthopaedician and was advised that this was due to stiffness which occurs during old age. All tests pertaining to Arthritis and TSH etc. where done and found to be normal. Xrays were also taken. Now she has been asked to take an mri to find whether a "nerve?" was jammed in between ????
We have been to different doctors without ending in a proper diagnosis.
Can I know what is the reason for this pain? How can this occur? Can this be cured?
AWAITING YOUR VALUABLE ADVICE.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Most likely frozen shoulder bilateral.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

In my opinion, she is suffering from what we call - Frozen shoulder, a condition which is very painful and has limited range of motion. Any movement elicits pain and more so the pain is worse at night.

The MRI of shoulder is required to arrive at a specific diagnosis only - the treatment at her age does not change much. The way you have described, it appears that some doctor is trying to rule out cervical disc prolapse, which again is a common cause of both shoulder pain.

I suggest pain killers, muscle relaxants and physiotherapy (Interferential therapy and exercises to improve movements).
Since this condition takes time to recover (sometimes 6-8 months) I would wait for any investigations, until I feel there is no improvement with treatment.

This condition can be cured over a period of time.

I hope to have answered your questions. Please feel free to ask any other question.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Gopal (33 hours later)

Thank you Doctor for your detailed response.
Would you please suggest some good muscle relaxants in the market?
She had tried pain killers, however, with her health condition, age and medication, she is feeling uneasy.
We will also try out physiotherapy is that can help.
Thanks again.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Normally I give Tolperisone

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Normally I prescribe Tolperisone to all my patients. You can also give it to your mother.

Thanks.

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D