I'm a runner. So in the past I never really paid attention to any neck/shoulder/back problems because even if I was uncomfortable, I was more worried about any issues that concerned with my legs. And because of that, I had a shoulder problem, that if I had let go untreated, could have caused permanent damage.
I first realized I had an issue when I was in the middle of a training session and I couldn't lift my arms to the wall during a wall sit workout while everyone else could. I thought it was a weird quirk of mine so I ignored it. Four years later, this past summer, I went to the doctor's office and she had me raise my arm for her. She was, at first, confused by my lack of ability to completely raise my arm above my head. She then prescribed me to go the physical therapist to work out my shoulder.
I felt kind of ridiculous going to physical therapy; I was no longer on a team and I've been dealing with this forever. Whenever the physical therapist or assistant asked me what I did to my shoulders, I had no real response. I felt like it was an overreaction.
My doctor explained to me, though, that it's my best interest to go to physical therapy. I'm still active, so if I were to reach for a frisbee or a volleyball and move the wrong way, I could damage a tissue and need surgery. My overly tight shoulders have also been affecting my posture for many years. Although I'm only 20, if I don't do anything to correct my posture, I'm going to be hunched over when I'm older. I would have many years of discomfort to come.
So I now have a list of little exercises to do for my neck, shoulder and back to prevent the overly stiffness that occurred from happening again.
Don't be embarrassed to ask your doctor about any discomfort or "quirks." It could be nothing (like my clicking ankles), or it could be a warning sign to fix an issue before it becomes too serious. Your doctors are there to help you and to assist you in your quest to living a healthy lifestyle.
Have you had any issues that you've ignored in the past? Do you inform your doctor with any issue you have?
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Comments (5)
It's so frustrating because I have an excellent medical support system, coach, and facilities but I just can't get over this hurdle.
I have tight shoulders too almost exactly like you're describing. When I lie flat on my back and put my arms above my head they sit off the ground I can't bring them all the way down. Perhaps it's time to look into that.
My left knee is actually kind of crooked. It just grew that way for some reason, I don't know why. It never used to bother me until a couple of years ago. Recently the pain has gotten so bad I have to brace the hell out of it while running or bowling and it's all but forced me to retire from my days as a lindy hopper. Oh well.
Unfortunately there's nothing that can be done about it, save for major surgery, which I refuse to do. I'll live with a moderate amount of pain before I go under the knife. I'd have to be pretty much unable to walk before I'd consider surgery.
si, I think my parents are quite worried about how many times I have been to the doctors this year already, but it is important to make sure problems are sorted sooner than later if there is a problem.
I do have another condition as well which need to be keep an eye on.
yes i point things out to my doctor.Last night I had major chest pain as in tightness but i can breath and this morning its still hurting and i dont go back to the doctor febuary 8th:)I hurt so bad.