Help! Compensating pain???

[yikesmyarm]

I broke my humerus almost 6 weeks ago and that seems to be healing right along. Both the dr. and I are pretty pleased with it. However, I've started to have severe burning pain in the opposing shoulder and my neck. Is that from having to do everything with that arm for a month as well as sleep sitting up and wear a sling? What could it be? Will it go away? I think it hurts more than the original break!

[Mischap123]

Sounds like what you think. Compensatory pain from overuse of the other side and most likely due to the sling. See a physical therapist (Chiro, Osteo,Physio) to get it sorted out.

[angieliu]

I think that you should go and see a Osteo or Physio to get them to try to loosen the muscle around your neck and shoulder. Being in a constant position can probably cause your other muscles to compensate for the injury.

If it gets worse, maybe consider seeing a sports doctor but I think that the osteo or physio will be able to guide you on this.

[Scott_1984]

I broke my humerus almost 6 weeks ago and that seems to be healing right along. Both the dr. and I are pretty pleased with it. However, I've started to have severe burning pain in the opposing shoulder and my neck. Is that from having to do everything with that arm for a month as well as sleep sitting up and wear a sling? What could it be? Will it go away? I think it hurts more than the original break!

You could be suffering from a possible case of: Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy\Complex Regional Pain Syndrome 1&2 (RSD/CRPS 1&2):

There's no cure, but treatment is RICE, Physiotherapy, ect.

50% of RSD/CRPS patients will go into remission.

I ant saying you've got RSD/CRPS, but it is only a possability.

Take Care & Take It Easy :¬)

Scott :¬)

http://groups.msn.com/PalmarMidcarpalInstabilityPMCIRSD