Shoulder pain is a common medical malady that affects millions of people worldwide. It can range from mild to severe and can be caused by a variety of factors.
Although this condition is not life-threatening, it is essential to understand the root causes of shoulder pain for its effective management and treatment.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the causes of shoulder pain and its diagnosis, management, and treatment options.
We will also discuss exercise options to relieve shoulder pain and some key prevention tips.
The shoulder is a complex joint that allows for a wide range of motion. Its design and function, unfortunately, make it susceptible to injury and pain.
Three major bones make up the shoulder joint. These are:
Ligaments, tendons, and muscles join these bones and work together to allow movement.
The rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons, is responsible for stabilizing the shoulder joint.
1. Rotator cuff injury: The rotator cuff can become inflamed or torn due to repetitive motion or trauma and as a result, can cause pain and weakness in the shoulder.
2. Frozen shoulder: Adhesive capsulitis for this condition that causes the shoulder joint to feel pain and stiffness. It can be due to an injury or underlying medical conditions.
3. Bursitis: The bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints. A person with inflamed bursae can experience pain and swelling in the shoulder.
4. Tendinitis: Tendinitis is inflammation of the tendons that connect muscles to bones, and it causes pain and limited range of motion in the shoulder.
5. Arthritis: Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that is characterized by pain, stiffness, and swelling in the shoulder.
Shoulder pain can manifest in different ways, depending on the underlying cause. Common symptoms of shoulder pain include:
1. Pain: Shoulder pain can range from mild (a slight discomfort that tends to disappear after a while) to severe (intense, debilitating, and recurring pain) and can be felt in the shoulder joint or upper arm.
2. Stiffness: Stiffness in the shoulder that makes it difficult to move the arm.
3. Weakness: Weakness in the shoulder that makes it difficult to perform daily activities.
4. Swelling: Swelling in the shoulder can be a sign of inflammation.
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In order to identify the underlying cause of shoulder pain, the doctor will perform a physical examination on the patient.
They may also order imaging tests, such as an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan. Depending on a case-to-case basis, a diagnostic injection may also be applied to determine the source of pain.
Managing shoulder pain can be summarized in four letters: R-I-C-E.
This easy-to-remember acronym stands for rest, ice, compress, and elevation.
By applying rest, ice, and proper compression to the shoulder, pain and discomfort can be alleviated.
Over-the-counter pain medication can also help relieve mild to moderate pain.
Physical therapy may be recommended to strengthen the shoulder muscles and improve the range of motion.
In severe cases, the doctor may recommend surgery.
The treatment options for shoulder pain largely depend on the cause of the condition.
In some cases, conservative measures such as rest, physical therapy, and medication may be sufficient.
In other cases, more invasive treatments such as injections or surgery are necessary.
Your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.
Certain doctor-recommended exercise techniques can relieve shoulder pain. These include:
1. Shoulder rotations: Stand with your arms at your sides and slowly rotate your shoulders forward and backward.
2. Wall push-ups: Stand and face a wall then place your hands on the wall at the height of your shoulder. Gradually lower your body and move toward the wall then push back up.
3. Shoulder stretches: Reach one arm across your chest and use the other arm to pull it gently toward your body. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat on the other side.
Preventing shoulder pain involves taking steps to protect the shoulder joint and avoid injury.
For example, when lifting a heavy object, it is important to squat down and use your legs – not the back or shoulders – to lift the object off of the ground.
You should bend your knees and keep your back upright, shoulders back, and your head looking straight ahead.
Make sure that you hold the heavy object as close to your body as possible and never, under any circumstances, try to lift a heavy object above your shoulders, or with your arms extended outwards.
Maintaining good posture at all times is also an effective way of preventing injuries.
A good posture allows a person to work more efficiently with less fatigue and less strain on the muscles, ligaments, and joints.
Plus, it helps improve self-esteem and makes you look confident.
