Scapular Instability

I have the same issue with both left and right scapula and have ping-ponged from orthopedists to neurosurgeons to neurologists for years with no real help yet. My current neurologist is testing for Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy because the muscle wasting extends beyond the scapular region. Like you, PT has been minimally helpful. The pain level is steadily increasing and I take tramadol to try to keep it at a tolerable level.

marthalena99,
My vertebra T1 and T2 twist slightly to the right and get stuck affecting rib (connection, hence) position. The blade is on top of the ribs and the ribs push the blade upward. Chiropractors twist the vertebra back into position and then the shoulder blade. Then I'm fine until I garden too hard. I often suggest that people see a chiropractor. The first appointment is an assessment. They give the finest exams at the least cost. The focus of their study is the interaction between bone and bone and between bone and muscle. A chiropractor might offer and adjustment, which you can accept or reject.

@nhbfan Are you speaking of a Winging Scapula, like it sticks out much further than your other?

@marthalena99 just wondering, do you have cervical stenosis or problems around that area of discs? I do and have had terrible muscle spasms in that area. I go to an acupuncturist & chiropractor, which is working well for me.

Not really winging. It's if my scapula isn't connected. It's a constant process of correcting. Sometimes things get so bad I can't balance on a bathroom scale staying still long enough for it to lock onto a reading.

I had a shoulder replacement about 5 years ago, I couldn't pick up anything. I had a birth defect and winged scapula. I begged the Dr to take me as a patient. The films that were taken didn't look bad, so he sent me for an arthroscopy and it showed total dysplasia of the socket and damage underneath. I had a great outcome and it was barely noticeable that I had surgery. PT after but good movement as a result. I live in the burbs of Philadelphia, this doctor has performed over 4000 replacements. This stabilized my scapula. Good Luck.

Thanks, I'm going to look further into Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy.

I've seen practically every specialty in medicine including movement disorder neurologist over a decade or so, but never heard of that condition.

Wow this is awesome news and very helpful. Thank you. And I'm very happy your shoulder replacement went so well!

Please update me with your findings. Limb-Girdle MD is one of 9 different types, and LGMD has 30+ subtypes. One of them really matches my symptoms and onset. I am debating whether get genetic verification. It is very expensive and it appears that Medicare does not cover it. I am researching that issue.

Which specialist would be the best to see to evaluate potential Limb-Girdle MD?