A little background. I am a dental hygienist and obviously have to have my neck in many different positions. I have had carpal tunnel surgery on both hands. For a few years I have dealt with shoulder pain in my left arm. I have had muscular issues in my neck and it would pinch nerves at times and cause a dull ache in my arm. I use Motrin when it is flaring really bad. Well recently I will go to lift my arm and get a severe pain in the front part of my shoulder to the point I had to stop the movement and about 5 weeks ago I started having elbow pain. So severe that I can t lift my daughter and last week I couldn t even lift a heavier beach towel with that arm alone. Should I see my nurse practioner or go ahead and make an appointment with an orthopedist? Also, what do you think this could possibly be?