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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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