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A trapped trapezius muscle

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i do martial arts and was thrown over and landed on my shoulder with the other person on top of it was intense pain went to hospital xray fine just rest it 2 weeks later still in pain just noticed i have no trapezius muscle on that should at all have seen a sport therapist and have said if it came out of the joint the muscle may have been traped when it went back in will need a mri scan to tell have been back to the hospit and hey have said not from the xray every thing is fine.two ansawers can i have a third


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replied May 10th, 2010
Muscular and Nerve Disorders Answer A11854


Given the data you provided (injured shoulder while doing martial arts, X-ray negative, no trapezius muscle can be felt), it is possible that your trapezius muscle was trapped when you injured your shoulder

Changing the location of the muscle might keep constant pain that does not want to leave. The muscle needs to be relocated in its normal position. Pain might be felt a few days afterwards due to inflammation of the muscle which might have occurred in the meantime. One fact is important: X-rays detect high density (bones) and low density substances (air in lungs), but is not the best imaging method for detecting smaller differences in density changes (muscles). An MRI might be a better idea in order to exactly locate where the muscle was trapped.

You might want to visit an orthopedist that would be able to examine the range of the joint movements, and when and in which position the pain starts and stops, as well as to examine the muscles of the shoulder.

Pain killers, muscle relaxants and physical therapy might be recommended in order to help the joint recover. Immobilization of the joint might be another treatment option if the doctor decides it is best for the muscle to rest in order to return to its normal position.


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