Complications Following Shoulder Dislocation
A 23-year-old Caucasian male from the USA, with no underlying health issues, reports a history of using nicotine and alcohol but currently takes no medications. He experienced a shoulder dislocation in December after an overdose, mistakenly believing the pain was merely a severe cramp resulting from the incident. It took him approximately 8 to 12 hours to reach the emergency room, where medical staff identified the injury as an anterior dislocation and performed a reset. A month later, a companion from that night informed him that his shoulder was dislocated during CPR attempts. He has undergone physical therapy for around a month and is gradually regaining some mobility. However, he has noticed an unusual appearance of his scapula and a complete lack of sensation in his left lat muscle, which is not responding as expected. Previously, he was dedicated to fitness and had strong mind-muscle connections, but he's unable to engage his left lat. He is seeking advice on potential causes for these symptoms to determine which specialist or treatment might be necessary, as he aims to limit unnecessary medical consultations due to insurance constraints. Additionally, he does not have a primary care physician, and the ER that treated him is over 800 miles away from his current residence. Since December, he has refrained from drug use, consumes moderate alcohol, and maintains a healthy lifestyle, albeit with limitations due to the injury. He notes a minor tingling sensation upon touching the surface of his shoulder, but there is minimal pain and only slight restrictions in movement, which his physical therapist is addressing. His primary concern lies with the condition of his scapula and the non-functioning lat muscle.
Answers (1)
3/26/2025, 5:30:49 AM
OpenHealth AI
It is understandable to feel concerned about the unusual changes you've noticed following your shoulder dislocation, especially regarding the appearance of your scapula and the lack of sensation in your left lat muscle. Your symptoms may indicate potential nerve involvement or muscular issues resulting from the injury and subsequent dislocation.
Explanation:
- Scapula Appearance: Changes in the appearance of the scapula could be due to altered muscle tone, weakness, or compensatory adjustments in surrounding muscles caused by the dislocation and injury.
- Lat Muscle Sensation and Function: The lack of sensation and function in your left lat muscle could signify possible nerve damage, particularly to the long thoracic nerve or thoracodorsal nerve, which innervate the muscles around that area.
- Tingling Sensation: The tingling sensation when touching the surface of your shoulder could indicate nerve irritation or early signs of recovery, but it also warrants careful consideration to rule out serious issues.
Next Steps:
-
Prioritize Specialist Consultation: Seek an evaluation from a sports medicine physician or an orthopedic specialist experienced in shoulder injuries. They can assess your scapula's appearance and your lat muscle's function appropriately. If possible, consider telehealth options to discuss your case without the burden of travel.
-
Physical Therapy Focus: Continue with physical therapy, but ensure you communicate your specific concerns regarding your lat muscle and scapula with your therapist. They may need to adjust your exercises or incorporate targeted interventions to address nerve recovery and muscle function.
-
Self-Care Measures:
- Strengthening and Mobility Exercises: Work on gentle strengthening exercises for the shoulder and back, if permitted by your therapist. Focus on restoring range of motion gradually rather than rushing through movements.
- Heat and Massage: Applying heat to the shoulder area may help relax the muscles and improve blood flow, which can facilitate healing. Gentle self-massage or using a foam roller on the surrounding muscle groups may also be beneficial.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in sensation, strength, or mobility. Note any new symptoms, improvements, or regressions. This information will be valuable for your medical consultations.
-
Avoid Strain: Refrain from putting excessive strain on the shoulder during this recovery phase—avoid heavy lifting or overhead activities until cleared by your therapist or specialist.
By focusing on these steps, you can better manage your symptoms, work towards regaining function, and minimize unnecessary stress on your health system. Please let me know if you have further questions or need more detailed advice on any of these topics!
Related Questions
Understanding My CT Scan Results
Subject: Female, 30 years of age Weight: 120 pounds Current medications: None A week ago, I experienced a facial injury and believed I might have a nasal fracture. After undergoing a CT scan yesterday, I received my results and am seeking clarification on their implications. The report indicates that there are no fractures present in my face; however, it does point out a deviated septum and the presence of bone spurs. Could this imply that my nose is intact and that surgical intervention is probably unnecessary? I appreciate any insights you can provide!
Seeking Assistance for Unexplained Symptoms
Hello, I’m a 15-year-old female, weighing 48.5 kg and standing at 162 cm tall, residing in Germany. At present, I’m looking for medical advice. My current medication status is none, and I have been diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). For the past seven months, I have been grappling with significant physical symptoms that have been largely dismissed as psychosomatic. In early 2023, I began experiencing an increased heart rate accompanied by dizziness, headaches, and episodes of near-fainting when I transition from sitting or lying down to standing. By July 2025, I noticed a gradual loss of appetite. Initially, it was mild, but it quickly escalated to a point where I no longer had any desire to eat. Once I did eat, I frequently felt nauseous, particularly with solid food, which caused painful stomach cramps and bloating. I lost around 4 kg over the initial months of these symptoms. Regrettably, my condition did not improve; it worsened, as I also experienced similar discomfort after consuming liquids. The only things I managed to take without significant pain were thicker fluids, such as drinkable yogurt and smoothies, but now even those are difficult for me. In September, I had a moderate depressive episode, for which I received psychotherapy and a prescription for Fluoxetine (20 mg). However, the medication induced severe side effects, including heightened nausea, drowsiness, muscle cramps, and weakness. My psychiatrist decided to discontinue the treatment abruptly, tapering off very quickly—after just two days at 10 mg daily, followed by 10 mg every other day for three days. One day, I became unresponsive and had to be taken to the hospital by ambulance, but no thorough examinations were conducted. While I was at school on October 11, I felt extremely fatigued, struggling to keep my eyes open. My condition deteriorated over the next couple of days, and by the 14th of October, I was unable to attend classes anymore. I began to experience severe fatigue along with muscle and joint pain, and general body aches. Despite sleeping extensively, my symptoms remained unchanged. I developed a significant intolerance to exertion, as even minimal activities like a brief 10-minute walk or sitting still for over an hour would lead to these overwhelming “crashes,” accompanied sometimes by a migraine or feelings of illness lasting 12 to 48 hours. Since mid-January 2026, I have been suffering from severe dizziness that sometimes prevents me from standing or walking normally. I have also experienced visual disturbances, like seeing dots in my left peripheral vision, and frequent facial numbness without relief. I was admitted to a psychosomatic unit, which only exacerbated my condition, putting me into a constant state of distress. I endured a prolonged migraine status for five days, which thankfully resolved gradually without any medical intervention. Many of my other days feel akin to being ill with the flu or suffering from poisoning. Whenever I discuss my symptoms with doctors or nurses, they attribute everything to either depression or a somatoform disorder, despite my persistent assertions that I do not feel depressed. I find the hospital I am at quite unfavorable. Previously, when I sought treatment for mesenteric lymphadenitis, they provided a placebo, insisting everything was psychological despite my existing diagnosis. I have undergone numerous tests, including a head MRI, endoscopy, ECG, echocardiogram, and various blood analyses. The MRI results were unremarkable, and the endoscopy showed no abnormalities. Both the ECG and echocardiogram returned normal results, and my blood work did not reveal much either, aside from a few slightly abnormal levels, which are listed below: - Vitamin B2: 333 - Vitamin B6: 76.3 - Vitamin A: 0.93 - Vitamin E: 32.0 - DAO: 5 - Histamine Degradation Ability: 34% - Ferritin: 19 - IgG: 192 - SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies: positive - Albumin: 0.75 - Neutrophils: 66% - Lymphocytes: 9.9% - Leukocytes: 4,000 - Monocytes: 3.3 - Eosinophils: 12 - Basophils: 4.4 - Absolute Neutrophils: 0.3 None of these results appear alarming. I have also performed an Active Standing test myself, leading to the following averages: - Lay down Average Heart Rate: 75 bpm - Lay down Average Blood Pressure: 90/60 mmHg - Standing Average Heart Rate: 127 bpm - Standing Average Blood Pressure: 120/80 mmHg I am desperately seeking insight regarding my symptoms and would greatly appreciate any help or guidance on what might be happening.
Significant Increase in Blood Pressure Over Two Months
Two months ago, on December 10th, 2025, I visited a CVS minute clinic due to a sinus infection, where my blood pressure was recorded at 120/74. However, during a recent visit to my general practitioner for my yearly health examination, my blood pressure soared to an alarming 200/114. The staff measured it multiple times, suspecting an error, even using a different device. The lowest reading captured was still quite high at 191/118. After discussing my situation, the doctor inquired whether I had a blood pressure monitor at home, which I do, and advised me to monitor my readings closely. Currently, after taking multiple readings, the most favorable result was 202/114, which is causing me some concern. - Female, age 39 - Weight: 175 lbs, Height: 5'2" - Non-smoker - Social drinker - No specific dietary restrictions - Sedentary lifestyle - No known family history of heart disease - Currently taking 20mg/day of Escitalopram and 450mg/day of Bupropion for anxiety and depression Online resources suggest that my readings indicate a "hypertensive crisis," a term that sounds rather serious. Despite my weight issues, these figures appear excessively high. I plan to message my GP for a follow-up, but I am wondering how alarmed I should be in the meantime?
Advice Needed on Possible Heart Condition (ASD)
Greetings everyone, I am a 27-year-old individual. Towards the end of 2022, a preliminary 2D echocardiogram raised concerns regarding a potential Atrial Septal Defect (ASD). Consequently, I underwent several follow-up echocardiograms and treadmill tests throughout 2023 and 2024. Fortunately, all results returned to be normal, and subsequent assessments indicated no structural issues with my heart. I also had a thorough evaluation at Apollo Hospital, which yielded normal findings as well. Later, during a consultation at Manipal Hospital, I was informed that the symptoms I am experiencing might be linked to anxiety or excessive worrying. Additionally, my lab tests revealed elevated levels of cholesterol and blood sugar, which fall into the prediabetic category. Currently, I do not experience chest pain, but I Continue to suffer from palpitations and a fast heartbeat, particularly when engaging in physical activities like climbing stairs. Despite receiving normal cardiac evaluations, these troubling symptoms persist, leading me to wonder if ASD has truly been dismissed or if I should consider further testing. I would appreciate any guidance on this matter.
Should I Request a Heart Evaluation from My Doctor?
**Personal Details**: 24 years old, no medications or substances, no existing health diagnoses, non-smoker, non-drinker, maintaining a healthy weight and height, engaging in regular physical activity. **Context**: During my time at university, I resolved to overcome my previous disinterest in academics and poor performance in school by adopting a comprehensive approach. This included selecting a challenging major, crafting a plan to finish my degree two years ahead of schedule, aiming for nothing less than As on exams, and ensuring my relationships with family and friends remained intact. However, my dedication to this plan resulted in significant stress. As I invested more time and energy into my studies, my anxiety about potential failure, looming deadlines, chaotic group projects, and unrelated personal issues escalated. Ultimately, this manifested as complications with my heart and blood pressure. What is most alarming is how I became accustomed to these health changes and dismissed the warning signs. I neglected to seek help from doctors or consider treatment options, essentially ignoring the symptoms entirely. **Health Issues Faced**: 1. **Heightened Sensitivity to Adrenaline**: Simply walking outside among people and traffic triggered noticeable spikes in my blood pressure. Roughly every thirty seconds, I experienced tingling in my abdomen, followed by a surge of pressure in my neck and a momentary slowing of my heart to manage the influx of blood pressure. Over the course of an hour, these occurrences added up, leading to possibly hundreds of episodes over days and months—quite concerning. 2. **Palpitations**: While this was not a constant occurrence, when it did manifest, it lasted for one to two weeks at a time. I would feel my heart racing, even during moments of rest at home. This would happen several times a day, persistently from morning until night. 3. **Elevated Heart Rate**: This was a continuous issue; my resting heart rate frequently soared into the 90s, even while sitting quietly. It often felt as though I was exerting effort, akin to physical activity, though I remained still. 4. **Chronic Tension and Sleep Disruption**: I dealt with ongoing feelings of tightness and inadequate sleep, at times leading to strange waking perceptions, such as seeing geometric shapes on surfaces upon waking. While not directly related to the previous issues, this level of sleep deprivation is undoubtedly harmful to one's health. These issues persisted for approximately two and a half years, but I have since regained my health. Nonetheless, I can't shake the feeling that I may have compromised my cardiovascular health due to these symptoms, which is why I am contemplating a heart evaluation with my doctor. I sought the opinion of an AI, which seemed dismissive, suggesting that given my situation and assuming no hidden health conditions, long-term damage was unlikely—perhaps even impossible. However, I would rather hear insights from healthcare professionals, so I'm reaching out for advice. Please share your thoughts!