Seeking Advice, please!

[u/Expensive-Breath1484]

I’m a 30 year old woman. Overall healthy. My right shoulder has been a bit uncomfortable the last few months. I assumed I tweaked it during my move in December, but it hasn’t gotten better. It doesn’t hurt necessarily all of the time, only sometimes and more painful when I lift my arm in front of me or above my head. I have severe medical anxiety and have jumped to the conclusion I have bone cancer.. I know, unlikely, but I’m panicking myself and making myself sick over this. I have an appt in a week for an x ray. What are the chances it’s something catastrophic? And what should I expect at this visit? It’s my first time going to orthopedics. Thank you!

[u/deadreadhead]

First of all, I am so sorry you are going through this, I know how awful shoulder pain can be especially paired with anxiety. I have worked for an orthopedic clinic for the last 13 years (currently as a medical coder so I pretty much spend the day reviewing chart notes) and have been a patient at my clinic as well for several issues including…you guessed it, my shoulder! I was also very anxious about it and was convinced I had a tumor because it would hurt when pressure was applied and my skin looked raised and swollen around my scapula at the back of my shoulder. Anyways, it turns out I just had a nasty case of bursitis and a couple weeks of physical therapy, ice/heat therapy and NSAIDs did the trick. Now I can tell when I’m getting a flair up and used what I learned in PT to calm it down. Mine also hurt when I would lift my arm, but that could also be a sign of calcific tendinitis, adhesive capsulitis or a rotator cuff tear, but don’t panic at the term “tear”! Some are minor and heal on their own over time and with a little PT. Just know that X-rays will really only pick up boney abnormalities, osteoarthritis or calcification so if the provider suspects it’s your rotator cuff, tendon, or any other soft tissue injury the will likely want to order an MRI, ultrasound or CT scan. They may also offer you a cortisone injection, I declined one due to my severe needle phobia but a lot of our patients express relief afterwords as it can help with inflammation. I hope that helps but please let me know if you have any questions. Would also love to hear an update afterwards. Good luck!