Hey guys.
Tubbs,
My heart goes out man that you have been out of lifting for so long, that is harsh and obviously is a problem that cannot be sorted out by rest. I think you know it needs surgery, just like I did. I realised the problem would never get better if I did not have an operation. My doc is brilliant and a sports shoulder specialist!! Here is the tests he did, and maybe you can ask for theses to find out if it is DCO. MRI scans are inconclusive for this condition and can be missinterpreted so it could well be this!
If when the pain flares up say after use of the shoulder, than you can do what is called a palpatation test by having someone raise you arm all the way abouve your head (like a lateral raise but all the way up to vertical)and at the same time pressing hard on you AC joint and palpatating that spot. (the bump on outside of shoulder on top). If its tender thats a sign.
Mine was poven by having a painkilling injection straight into my AC joint, than my pain was gone, still popping but no pain. Obviously a doc needs to do this test. X-rays are also good, mine showed up a wearing in the AC joint and the sides of the gap are not quite smooth.
Also I felt a popping sensation in my AC joint when I moved it in certain ways and could actually feel it popping past when I put my finger on it and pressed forward.
Also in answer to your question my pain was located on the top of my shoulder right on and below the AC joint. But I did get additional pain radiating down my arm.
Also, it could well be the condition bursitis where your bursal sac loacted between the acromium and humerous had been compressed and torn and become inflamed. When I had my operation I also had a small part of my bursal sac removed and a little of the underside of my acromium shaved to stop any rubbing, so it seems by the doc doing that that this is also an injury requiring surgical intervention. If this is your problem you would get pain during lateral anf front raises where this gap is narrowed!
Hope that helps,
Ruhl,
Again I hope the above info helps man. I would advise going to see a real shoulder specialist, its worth the money to get fixed man!! Even if you just use him to diagnose it! Explain my situation to him if you go and tell of your similarities!
Again try and locate the pain and do the tests your self, get Xrays, and the injection, Also MRI if you can, it will only show a bright light over your AC joint though, but this reveals that abnormal inflamation and swelling is present.
Im always happy to answer any questions about the shoulders and especially this condition as I know how tough it is to handle.
I you do have it, dont mess around, get the surgery ASAP!!!!!!