What with aching shoulders and arms? Is it winter effect?

@Melody1 (967)
India
November 11, 2008 12:31am CST
This year's winter is slowly but surely setting in. This year for the first time I'm having shoulder and arms pain. How do I ascertain if its a muscular pain or arthritis? Shall I go for blood test for diagnosis?
2 people like this
8 responses
• Philippines
11 Nov 08
Does your shoulder feel stiff and painful when moved? It might be frozen shoulder (or adhesive capsulitis). It happens when the connective and soft tissues in your shoulder become inflamed. It is very painful especially at night and worsened by cold weather. The exact cause of frozen shoulder is still unknown but it is sometimes link to injury to the area, lack of movement (as in the case of paralyzed patients, or it can be due to an underlying condition such as rheumatoid arthritis. Management usually consists of pain relievers and regular physical therapy. But you'll have to see a doctor first to ascertain the real cause of the pain. In any case, pain may be temporarily relieved by applying hot packs or hot compress to your shoulder for at least 15 minutes. Hope you feel better soon.
• Philippines
11 Nov 08
Oh, in case you're wondering how I know all these, I'm a physical therapist. Anyway, the best thing for you to do is consult a doctor first.
1 person likes this
@Melody1 (967)
• India
14 Nov 08
Thanks for your valuable advice.
• United States
11 Nov 08
As people age, it is perfectly normal for joints such as those found in your arms/shoulders to ache as the weather gets cooler.The difference between muscular pain and Arthritis is that Arthritis would effect only the areas where bone meets bone (joints). Pain in the muscles would extend to areas that there is more muscle than bone like the thighs. If you're finding that the pain is higher in your joints, I suggest you to go see your doctor immediately. Better to be safe than sorry, right?
@Melody1 (967)
• India
14 Nov 08
Thankyou Opinionaire. I'll go and see the doctor. Though I am feeling better now.
@worthy (2413)
• India
13 Nov 08
first of all start taking regular walks. try to move more often than before, that will keep the warmth in your body intact. even then if the pain continues, then maybe you should go in for massage or as a last resort, you can see a doctor. but for now i think ur're getting too tensed. relax and exercise!
1 person likes this
@Melody1 (967)
• India
14 Nov 08
Yes my wise young friend. Your massage idea is very nice.:)
@Aussies2007 (5336)
• Australia
13 Nov 08
I do get that... and for me it is the result of stress. You might be overly stress without realising it. Took me 15 years to realise what it was. No doctors can help you with that. You have to learn to relax. Doing some exercises can help as well. And psychologists will recommend meditation. And if it is stress... it is a muscular pain which ties your muscles into a knot. Massages might help also. Now you might be like me... and think... "I have nothing to be stressed about". But your sub-conscient is telling you otherwise... and is taking over. The pain is a warning... that it is time to de-stress.
1 person likes this
• Australia
15 Nov 08
There is another thing you can try... You can get muscular aches and cramps due a deficiency of magnesium. You can buy magnesium tablets in the vitamin section of your supermarket. And yes... you can get stress because you are cold or hot. Once you start getting stressed... any stupid little thing can stress you.
1 person likes this
@Melody1 (967)
• India
4 Dec 08
Thanks Aussies. I feel much better now. :)
@Melody1 (967)
• India
14 Nov 08
You know it. Aussies you have pointed out a very accurate point that I have missed out noticing as I get them sometimes even during summers.So its not always due to cold.Right? Thankyou.
@rb200406 (1824)
• India
12 Nov 08
I think if it is serious & causing a lot of discomfort then you must visit a doctor.It can be arthiritis also.
1 person likes this
@Melody1 (967)
• India
14 Nov 08
I was suspecting the same too rb.
@williamjisir (22819)
• China
6 Dec 08
Hello Melody. There were a few times when I felt so painful in the neck and on the back due to the cold weather. But I was glad that I got well again when I stayed in a warm room with the air-conditioning system. In my case, it is because of the cold that I suffered from. So dear Melody, please try to stay in a warm room to see how it goes before going for blood test for diagnosis. Take care and keep warm.
1 person likes this
@Melody1 (967)
• India
20 Feb 09
The cold was the reason. Very much so. Staying warm is the key as you rightly said. Fortunately things became alright before reaching the stage for blood test and all. You take care too and keep warm.
@nengs10 (3180)
• Philippines
11 Nov 08
My friends and students also tell me the same thing. I haven't experienced snow but my friends abroad have. And they would share their feelings and thoughts with me about winter time. As many of them said, they don't like winter. Happy posting.
1 person likes this
@Melody1 (967)
• India
14 Nov 08
Thanks and happy posting to you too nengs.
@vicky30 (4766)
• India
11 Nov 08
Because your body is weak you feel your shoulder and arms aching.Try wearing wollen clothes that cover your whole arm.I think its muscular pain.Try to apply some ointment on those areas.Taking bath in warm water will get rid of muscular pain.
@Melody1 (967)
• India
14 Nov 08
Thanks for your warm advice vicky30. :) Your positivity is seeping in me too and i feel confident its muscular pain and nothing else. Bath in warm water does sound like a very temptingingly good suggestion. You are right.I have an ayurvedic oil from Kerala which is very effecting in easing the pain.