Troubles with Shoulder Pain
Hello everyone. As a former military member, my background plays a significant role in my inquiry. I’m 58 years old, male, standing at 5’9” and weighing 208 pounds—definitely not an unfit 208. My alcohol consumption is above average, I smoke when I drink, use cannabis to assist with sleep, and I struggle significantly with my left shoulder. Although my right shoulder is also problematic, it’s nothing compared to my left. Regarding my left shoulder, I’m unable to raise my arm above shoulder height when my palm is facing upward. However, if I rotate my hand down so my thumb points toward the floor, I can lift my arm overhead without much pain. Sleep has been elusive, as the pain jolts me awake every night, and I can’t find a comfortable position to ease the discomfort. Consequently, I tend to get out of bed around 3 a.m. I first noticed shoulder pain about 30 years ago, but it usually resolved after a month or so. Despite months of physical therapy through the VA, my shoulder still feels like it’s trapped in a meat grinder, offering no sign of relief. I have a couple of questions: 1. Does anyone have insights into what might be causing this? 2. My right shoulder has also begun to ache persistently—if I’m facing issues in both shoulders, it would be incredibly overwhelming for me. 3. Could this be linked to my military service? I was an 11C, a mortar gunner carrying heavy loads frequently. The situation is becoming increasingly debilitating; lack of sleep is starting to affect my job performance. I thought I would reach out to see if anyone has recommendations or advice. Thank you for your time!
Answers (1)
8/14/2025, 4:50:53 AM
OpenHealth AI
Main Points: Your left shoulder pain affects mobility and sleep, and it may stem from past injuries or overuse, particularly related to your military service. You may also be at risk for additional shoulder issues with your right shoulder beginning to ache. It’s important to develop a strategy for relief and support.
Explanation: The symptoms you're experiencing, such as the difficulty raising your arm when your palm is facing upward (known as internal rotation), and the ongoing pain during sleep, suggest several potential underlying causes. These can include rotator cuff injuries, bursitis, shoulder impingement, or even arthritis, all of which can be exacerbated by heavy lifting and repetitive motion—common in military service. The shoulder pain could also be linked to tension or systemic issues; the impact of smoking and excessive alcohol on recovery should not be underestimated, as they can hinder healing.
Additionally, the fact that both shoulders are starting to exhibit pain may indicate a compensatory pattern, where the right shoulder starts to suffer due to the left shoulder's limitation.
Next Steps:
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Pain Management: Start with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (like ibuprofen or naproxen) to help with pain and swelling, but ensure you follow the recommended dosage.
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Gentle Stretching and Strengthening: Consider gentle shoulder exercises that promote range of motion without excessive strain. Focus on physical therapy routines that target flexibility and stability of the shoulder joint if you haven't already. There are many resources online and in physical therapy guidelines that can help you find suitable exercises.
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Ergonomic Adjustments: Pay attention to your posture and how your shoulders are positioned during daily activities, particularly at work. Simple adjustments to your workspace or how you lift objects can lessen strain.
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Evaluate Your Habits: Reducing alcohol consumption and quitting smoking can greatly improve your overall health and enhance recovery. There are many resources available to help with this, including support groups.
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Tracking Symptom Patterns: Keep a journal of your pain levels and any activities that worsen or alleviate your symptoms. This can help identify triggers and patterns.
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Explore Alternative Therapies: Consider integrating therapies like acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments, or massage therapy, which can complement your current treatment and may help relieve pain.
It’s understandable that the situation feels overwhelming, especially regarding your job performance and sleep disruptions. Please keep a close eye on your symptoms—if they worsen, or if you experience any new symptoms (like numbness, changes in grip strength, or severe discomfort), seeking an evaluation from a medical professional would be advisable. Your experience matters, and finding effective relief is more than possible.
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