Shoulder Problem, Anyone Else Experiencing This?

[resonator48]

My left shoulder has been bothering me for a while and it's getting worse. I'm right handed, so it's my fretting side. After playing for 10/15 minutes, my shoulder starts aching and it runs down the outside of my upper arm. reaching to use the tuning keys (especially the "D") kills me.

Has anyone else experienced this? Anyone have exercises that help? What's funny is playing the guitar is the only time it bothers me.

[sfarnell]

Yep, had the same problem. Started taking 2,000 units of vitamin D at my doctor's direction and the problem went away within days.

[theruley]

try a wider strap

[thetangmang]

It may be coming from the neck. If it is, you may have a C5 dysfunction causing those peripheral symptoms. I'm in my last year of PT school and I've seen this before. Obviously, I can't diagnose you over the internet, but don't rule out the neck/posture if nothing else works.

[resonator48]

Thanks for the responses. Can anyone give me specific exercises to stretch and strengthen my shoulder/arm?

[GAD]

Do you carry a backpack slung over one shoulder?

[resonator48]

Originally Posted by GAD

Do you carry a backpack slung over one shoulder?

No I don't. I'm not doing anything different that I can see.

[Shugaboy]

i consistently pull muscles in my neck/shoulder from loading pa gear. consider that too. I used to think it was from my guitar/strap but no

[studiojig]

What guitar do you play? How heavy is it? If it's a Les Paul you might need to consider a chambered version or otherwise lighter guitar of some type. Just a thought... I still have my 88 LP standard but it's far too heavy for stage/performance use. I can only use it sitting down anymore.

[Buddy Boy]

Old injuries(football, martial arts, carrying heavy gear) have left my neck,shoulders and back in bad shape. I'm using a Totalgym(knockoff for $50 on C'sList) and I fell better than I have in years. On the Chuck Norris website there is a short video of him working his shoulders and upper body.

[TDJMB]

I've had problems in both shoulders. I wouldn't recommend doing anything until you get evaluated by a medical professional. Yes, posture & stress & strap & heavy guitar, etc. etc. But if you have a bone spur, that may require a different approach from posture, etc. and the spur may be tearing something. I've had bone spurs in both shoulders. One was operated on 10 years ago and there've been no problems (although rehab was hell). I'm currently getting PT on the other one and, while it helps, surgery may still be necessary.

[ib2010]

Do simple deep breathing/ slow strech and hold exercises to drive ozygen deep thru the entire area.