Should I Seek Further Evaluation?
I'm a 23-year-old male from Turkey, standing at 187 cm and weighing 102 kg. I generally avoid addictive substances and limit my alcohol consumption to moderate levels. The only medication I currently take is Desmont, which I use for managing rhinosinusitis. About two years back, I consulted with an orthopedic specialist regarding persistent shoulder pain and a locking sensation following my workouts. The MRI results revealed that I have **supraspinatus tendinosis**. After reviewing my X-rays, my doctor inquired if I was experiencing any pain in my back. At the time, I wasn't aware of any discomfort, but I spend long hours at a desk as a student. Occasionally, I perform a movement that creates a "popping" feeling near my head, which seems to relieve some tension and offers a sense of relaxation, much like stretching. I never associated this with pain. Approximately one year ago, I accomplished my first pull-up, after which I began to notice lower back pain. As I increased my physical activity, including push-ups, the discomfort has lessened. Interestingly, relief tends to come when I execute a specific maneuver that produces a popping noise similar to what I hear in my shoulder. Due to a hectic schedule and financial constraints, I'm unable to book an appointment at this moment. I would appreciate your thoughts on whether a follow-up is advisable. If so, I plan to consult with another physician who might provide a more thorough examination.
Answers (1)
8/1/2025, 12:20:44 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about your shoulder and lower back discomfort, especially given your history with supraspinatus tendinosis and the recent changes in your activity level. Given your symptoms and history, it might be wise to consider follow-up evaluation. Here’s a structured breakdown of your situation:
Main Points:
- You experience shoulder pain and a "popping" sensation, which may relate to your supraspinatus tendinosis.
- You've developed lower back pain that seems associated with increased physical activity.
- There might be underlying issues related to your posture, especially given your extended hours at a desk.
Explanation:
- Supraspinatus Tendinosis: This condition involves degeneration of the tendon that is important for shoulder mobility and could contribute to your shoulder locking or "popping." Since you had this issue diagnosed already, it’s wise to monitor how it feels with increased activity.
- Lower Back Pain: Increased physical activity, especially movements like pull-ups and push-ups, may put strain on your back if not done with proper form, or if you're lacking core stabilization. The relief you feel from specific movements suggests that you're instinctively finding ways to release tension, which is good, but it might not address the root cause.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a diary for a week or two noting when you experience pain, how intense it is, and any activities that seem to trigger or relieve it. This can help you identify patterns.
-
Posture and Ergonomics: Focus on improving your desk setup. Ensure your screen is at eye level, your chair supports your back, and you take regular breaks to stretch and move around. This could help alleviate some of the discomfort associated with long hours of sitting.
-
Gentle Exercises: Incorporate stretching and strengthening exercises specific to the shoulders and lower back into your routine. Focus on mobility, flexibility, and core strength. Exericises like shoulder rolls, cat-cow stretches, and pelvic tilts may be beneficial.
-
Evaluate Activity Adjustments: If certain physical activities worsen your symptoms, consider modifying them temporarily and see if that helps relieve discomfort while maintaining a level of exercise that feels safe and manageable.
-
Delayed Follow-Up: Since financial constraints are a concern, prioritize basic symptom management and ergonomic adjustments, but plan to consult a healthcare professional when feasible, especially if symptoms worsen or don’t improve.
If you notice significant changes like increased pain intensity, leg weakness, or difficulty performing daily activities, consider reaching out for further evaluation sooner. Your health remains a priority, and solutions that fit your lifestyle are important. Stay proactive about your shoulder and back care!
Related Questions
Unexplained Discomfort in My Neck
Hello there! I'm a 23-year-old woman, and for as long as I can recall—dating back to when I was around 14—I have experienced a peculiar sensation on the right side at the lower part of my neck, just above my collarbone. This feeling isn’t characterized by pain or discomfort per se; rather, it’s an odd sensation that leaves me feeling uneasy. I often find myself wanting to apply some pressure to it, although I don't believe it brings any real relief. After searching online for answers without success, I decided to reach out here. Can anyone shed light on what anatomical structures are located in that region that might be related to my experience? Is it possible that this sensation is purely psychological? I would greatly appreciate any insights or suggestions! Thank you!
Struggling with Phimosis?
I'm experiencing difficulty with my foreskin; it can only be retracted when I’m not aroused. Attempting to do so during an erection leads to significant discomfort. Beyond adult circumcision, are there alternative treatment methods available?
Potential Necrosis Following Foot Injury from Fridge Accident
On July 5th, my husband, aged 46, sustained an injury to his foot when a refrigerator toppled over, trapping his foot between the dolly and the ground. Almost immediately, a hematoma formed, but there was no visible break in the skin at that time. We promptly sought emergency care where X-rays and a CT scan revealed no fractures. By July 8th, he was referred to an orthopedic specialist to investigate a possible Lisfranc injury; fortunately, this was later excluded. During the assessment, the physician noted significant swelling, making it difficult to evaluate any potential tissue damage accurately. She applied an Unna boot and scheduled follow-up for the following week. At his next appointment on July 15th, the doctor observed signs of infection in his foot and prescribed antibiotics, advising him to return later in the week to reapply the Unna boot. On July 18th, despite the infection showing signs of improvement, concerns arose regarding persistent swelling. Consequently, an MRI was ordered. The imaging, conducted on July 22nd, revealed a large fluid accumulation on his foot, but no structural injuries. During a follow-up consultation on July 31st, he had lost the large blood blister that had formed shortly after the injury. This development allowed for a clearer view of the wound, revealing a darkened area roughly 1 by 2 inches in size beneath the former blister. The physician now expressed worry about the appearance of the wound and scheduled another visit for August 7th, suggesting a referral to a wound care specialist may be necessary if healing does not occur by then. When I changed his dressings this evening, a foul odor became apparent after I unwrapped the bandage, prompting me to conduct some quick online research that suggests this could signify a serious issue. Is it advisable for him to wait until the scheduled appointment for further evaluation? I believe we should visit a walk-in clinic tomorrow, but he feels he can hold off until the follow-up. 46 years old, male, 5'10, weighing 200 lbs.
Navigating Concerns Over EKG Results
A 40-year-old female, standing at 5'3" and weighing 136 pounds, identifies as white. She has a history of ADHD and generalized anxiety disorder, currently managed with a daily dosage of Vyvanse at 40mg. Although she occasionally vapes—having made the switch from traditional cigarettes around six years ago—she also consumes cannabis roughly once a month and drinks alcohol infrequently, typically 3-4 times yearly. Following my psychiatrist's recommendation, I underwent an EKG during my annual physical with my primary care physician last Thursday. The results hinted at a potential septal infarct, which was later confirmed by a cardiologist on Friday after reviewing the EKG. What troubles me is my complete lack of cardiac issues in the past and the absence of any concerning symptoms. I have not experienced dizziness, breathlessness, chest pain, or nausea, and both my blood pressure and blood work appear normal. Additionally, there is no cardiovascular disease history in my family. The suggestion to get an EKG stemmed from my psychiatrist noticing an elevated heart rate of 126 bpm during our last session, a level consistent with my reaction to moderate anxiety. Typically, my heart rate rests in the mid-80s when I am on Vyvanse and around 70s on the days I do not take it. Now, I find myself in a tough spot: my psychiatrist refuses to refill my ADHD medication, and my primary care doctor insists on conducting an echocardiogram and possibly a stress test before proceeding further. I have managed to schedule an appointment with a cardiologist—my insurance allows me to do so without a referral—between these tests in the hope of toning down the escalation of this unexpected situation. Being in a leadership position at work puts additional pressure on me, as my ability to function effectively impacts others around me. My frustration in this matter is palpable, to say the least. Is anyone willing to provide insight into my EKG findings? I suspect there may have been an issue with lead placement, although I am not medically trained. I found an article that discusses the relevant topics, which appears to align with my concerns, yet I lack the authority to make definitive claims. I have an echocardiogram scheduled for early next week, but I am contemplating switching my primary care physician and possibly my psychiatrist once everything is resolved. Both healthcare providers are relatively new to me following a recent move, and I generally prefer to maintain consistency until a significant issue arises that necessitates a change.
Seeking Advice on My Nephew's Recent Health Episodes
I am reaching out for assistance concerning my 7.5-year-old nephew, who possesses a vibrant personality and a delightful sense of humor. Unfortunately, he has experienced some concerning health issues lately. Just a month ago, he encountered a gastrointestinal issue that prevented him from urinating. I rushed him to the hospital, but during our transport, he began to vomit. Despite the discomfort he was in, he managed to drink some fluids upon our arrival, which alleviated his pain. Recently, my nephew had an episode that we’re struggling to categorize. His behavior included rapid eye blinking and involuntary facial movements (please refer to the attached footage for clarity). During this time, he was unable to communicate or respond to us in any manner. After undergoing several medical tests, everything seemed to come back normal. I am reaching out for advice from any medical professionals who might be able to help decipher these symptoms and suggest potential ways forward. Thank you for your insights!