What may have happened in his life prior to this
that may or may not seem to be related. For example bad news at work or some type of other injiury,... Before he got the 'crick' in his neck, we'd travelled to visit relatives and he was sleeping on the couch. It is a terrribly old and lumpy couch.

Ask him to describe the feeling of the pain in addition to what you said about feeling like a knott...is that how he describes it asl well? he describes the pain as a dull constant ache that becomes a sharp pain if he gets his arm in the wrong position...and has lots of difficulty coming up with more descriptors. The knot is something that I can feel because it 'rolls around' when I rub it. He can also feel the knott when I rub it and that's where the pain originates. When I press on it, he says that the pain radiates through his entire shoulder.

Also what does any extentsion of the pain feel like and where does it extend to? the pain extends down his left arm about half way to his elbow. Also, it comes over to the front of his shoulder.

What if anything have you noticed about him mentally or emotionally? Has he clearly changed in any way since this? I have not noticed any change in him emotionally. He is weary of the pain but not different in any way. At first, it only bothered him at night, and especially when he would try to use the computer, now however, it seems to bother him throughout the day, but it is much worse if he tries to use the computer. As an aside, he is right handed and uses the mouse with his right hand. The trouble is with his left shoulder.

Ask him: What is the worse thing about this for you? "the pain" is his reply

What ever he answers, then ask why is that so bad for you? it's a very annoying pain and he can't find a comfortable position

See how he responds emotionally during any of the questioning or if he shows no emotion. He gets impatient because he says the questions are hard to give a good answer to.

List all the things he does to make it better or when it is better in general. He elevates his left arm in an attempt to get relief, but I don't think that helps much. He moves it around trying to find a position that is comfortable. The past two nights, he has used a heating pad and that seems to help.

Does the massage eventually help it and is ti better rubbing hard or soft? the massage doesn't seem to really help although he wants me to really put pressure on it and says, "it hurts so good" To me that means that even though the massage is uncomfortable that it feels good.

List all the things that makes it worse adn what brings on the most severe pain? the worst pain seems to occur when he sits at the computer. He's a real internet junkie and can only sit at the computer for about 5 minutes before he must get up and get in his recliner.

Any other physicla or emotional or mentlachanges you cna think of since this happened. Again, there really haven't been any changes that come to mind...but he does get impatient with the pain.

Why is sleeping difficult? I think getting to sleep is what is difficult because he has a hard time getting comfortable because of the pain. What do to deal with it then? He has to lay on his back, and he's normally a side-sleeper Is he restless and getting out of bed or changing beds or positions often and what positions better and worse? the best position is flat on his back and once he gets to sleep, he isn't restless

Also when did you give rhus-t as soemtimes it takes a while to work andwhat if anything has changed since you gave it. I gave him rhus tox last night. He says that nothing has changed, but this is the first time that he's come home complaining that his shoulder bothered him all day.

Also, why does he continue to lift weights? Why not take a break? He lifts weights to help stay in shape. He's lifted for years. He says that when he lifts there is no pain. He feels like having a bit of weight in his hand makes a difference.

curious what he does for a living? He is a gas line surveyor. He walks natural gas lines checking for leaks. In his work, he must carry a small machine in his left hand and a probe in his right. The machine probably weighs about 5 pounds or so.

Thank you for your interest. If you need more information, please let me know.

Lynn

[ 14. December 2002, 06:15: Message edited by: Lynn_King ]