I have always had shoulder pain. I thought it was better, but I was wrong. I lifted my right arm above my head to help myself up the basement stairs, and something popped. Since then I have been in pain. It is a little better, but sleeping at night is very difficult. My backward movement of my arm is gone. I can’t get things out of my back pocket or tuck shirts in, without it hurting. The pain is the worst where the collar bone and shoulder bone come together. Is there any exercise or medication I can take to help? I’m not a person that likes to take medications, so if there’s exercise, I’d rather do that.

Dr. Joshua’s Answer:

It sounds like you may have a chronic rotator cuff injury with a an acute rotator cuff tear The rotator cuff is a structure of multiple muscles around the shoulder.

A physical examination and shoulder X-ray are recommended initially, with possibly shoulder ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis. MRI is rarely needed.

Most rotator cuff injuries can be treated without surgery. NSAID (such as ibuprofen) treatment is recommended. Also, rest is important, and a shoulder sling may be used. Gradually, shoulder-strengthening exercises are started.

If there is no improvement in about 1-2 months, surgery should be considered.

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