Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain is a very common reason for which people go to see a doctor. You may feel pain only when you move your shoulder, or all of the time. The pain may be temporary or it may continue and require medical diagnosis and treatment.
COMMON CAUSES OF SHOULDER PAIN:
A muscle and tendon tear (either partial or complete)
Your rotator cuff is the group of muscles and tendons in your shoulder that hold your arm in place and let you lift your arm up overhead. You can damage it through overuse or in a sudden injury. It also begins to show wear and tear as you age.
Rotator cuff impingement
There is irritation, inflammation, or compression of the tendons or bursa in the shoulder. It can cause swelling and pain.
Muscle and ligament strain
Arthritis
Shoulder pain can also result from arthritis.. The most common type of arthritis in the shoulder is osteoarthritis, also known as "wear and tear" arthritis. Symptoms such as swelling, pain, and stiffness, typically begin during middle age. Osteoarthritis develops slowly and the pain it causes worsens over time.
A “pinched nerve” in the neck
Adhesive capsulitis
Commonly referred to as frozen shoulder, adhesive capsulitis is caused by a thickening and stiffening of the tissues around the shoulder joint. It's typically develops in people ages 40 to 60. Frozen shoulder is more common in women.
Referral pain
Sometimes shoulder pain is the result of injury to another location in your body, usually the neck or biceps. This is known as referred pain which generally does not related to the shoulder movement
IMPORTANT: Sometimes people can feel pain the shoulder that is actually caused by serious heart or lung problems. If your shoulder pain is sudden and not related to an injury and you are in doubt, see your doctor as soon as possible and urgently.
Shoulder Pain Diagnosis
Your therapist will start with medical history and physical examination to check for any structural problems and rule out anything that might involve your spine or neck. Next they’ll test your range of motion to see how strong and flexible your shoulder is.
DO YOU NEED AN XRAY, ULTRASOUND, OR MRI?
In sudden injuries X-ray, MRI or ultrasound would be necessary to rule out sudden injuries such as broken bones, dislocation or muscles torn.
In the vast majority of cases, you do NOT require any of these imaging tests. This is because regardless of the cause, the treatment is still the same for all the different causes.
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Regardless of the specific cause, the treatment is usually the same for all.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO IMPROVE YOUR PAIN?
Rest: Avoid activities that aggravate the pain.
Ice
Stretches
Anti-inflammatories: as long as they are safe for you to take. Some of medications need to be prescribed by a physician.
Physical or occupational therapy: You do not need to see your doctor first. The suggestion for persistent shoulder pain is to have a consultation with:
Physiotherapist
Osteopath
Chiropractor
Sports specialist
Injection
Another possible treatment option for certain causes of shoulder pain could be get a steroid injection which can be performed by a physician.
Surgery
Even there is a rotator cuff tear, most of the time the orthopedic surgeons prefer the patients to try other treatment options before they would even consider offering a surgery.
Reasons to see your doctor:
You are concerned your pain could be from something more serious, like a heart or lung problem, as noted above.
Your pain is lasting more than 4-6 weeks, despite trying the above recommended treatments.
Your pain is caused from a sudden injury or fall, and you are worried that something may be broken or dislocated.
If your shoulder is red or significantly bruised.
Your pain is severe and not controlled by the above treatments.
You are concerned that something else is wrong, or have any other questions or concerns.
Shoulder Pain Prevention
Our shoulder is a more mobilized joint in body with less stability that needs more protection
● If you work at a desk, make sure your chair has proper back support and encourages good posture.
● Take a break and move around at least once an hour.
● If your job requires heavy lifting, use the proper technique: Face what you’re lifting, keep your back straight, and bend your knees to use your legs for power.
● When reaching for something heavy over your head, use a stool or ladder to get in better position.
● Ask your therapist about exercises and stretches that help strengthening the muscles around your shoulders and keep them flexible.
Resources
Harvard university health publishing
webMd