Shoulder Pain – Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

The shoulders have a wide and varied range of motion. When something goes wrong with the shoulder, it can cause pain and discomfort. The shoulder joint is made up of the humerus (the long bone of the arm), the clavicle, and the scapula (shoulder blade).

The acromioclavicular joint is between the top of the scapula and the clavicle. The glenohumeral joint, also known as the shoulder joint, is formed by the ball-shaped top of the humerus bone and the outer rim of the scapula.

The shoulder joint is located where the arm meets the body. The shoulder joint is a ball-and-socket type, enabling the arm to move with great freedom. The shoulder joint is highly versatile, offering a wide range of movement. The arm can move in a circular motion and move up and away from the body.

The rotator cuff is made up of four muscles. Tendons connect muscles to bones. If the tendons or bones near the rotator cuff are injured or inflamed, lifting your arms overhead can be uncomfortable or difficult. Shoulder injuries can result from repetitive motion, sports, and manual labor. Additionally, several medical conditions can result in shoulder pain.

These illnesses include diseases of the neck and liver, heart, gall bladder conditions, and more. In addition, your shoulders are more prone to problems as you age, especially after 60. This is due to the gradual deterioration of soft tissue around the shoulder. Shoulder pain can be managed at home through various methods tailored to the underlying cause.

Treatment for a condition may involve physical therapy, medications, or surgery. Shoulder pain can result from several factors, such as rotator cuff tears, arthritis, or dislocation. Treatment typically involves rest, ice, and pain medication. Prevention includes keeping the shoulder moving and stretching it regularly.

What are Some Common Causes of Shoulder Pain?

Several factors can contribute to shoulder pain, including genetics, age, and injury. However, the most common cause of rotator cuff tendinitis is overuse. This is a condition where the tendons are swollen. As a result, the rotator cuff gets compressed between the acromion (a part of the shoulder blade that covers the top of the humerus) and the humeral head (the ball-shaped top of the humerus).

An injury may cause shoulder pain in another part of your body, usually the neck or biceps. This is known as referred pain. Most people experience referred pain when moving their shoulder, but it usually does not worsen.

Other Causes of Shoulder Pain Include:

• Arthritis
• Torn cartilage
• Torn rotator cuff
• Swollen bursa or tendon
• Bone spurs (bone protrusions that develop along the edges of bones)
• Neck or shoulder nerve compression
• Shoulder or arm bone fracture
• Frozen shoulder
• Shoulder dislocation
• Injuries from overuse or repeated use
• Spinal cord injury
• Heart attack

How to Manage Symptoms?

This section provides various methods to help alleviate shoulder pain and discomfort, including heat or cold therapy, posture adjustments, and a balance of rest and exercise.

Heat or Cold Therapy

If you have pain in your shoulder after a minor injury, an ice pack can help. It’s usually warmer to the touch on the side where the pain is. For instance, you can place a bag of frozen peas on your skin to shield it from the cold. Don’t leave it in place for more than 20 minutes. Heat packs are effective for relieving most other types of shoulder pain, especially when your muscles are sore or tense. Chemists and sports stores sell reusable heat pads. To ease pain in the affected area, you can use a microwaveable wheat bag or a hot water bottle wrapped in a dry cloth for up to 20 minutes.

Posture

Poor posture or habits like slouching at your desk can contribute to shoulder pain. Try these tips:

When you sit down, try not to lean forward and lean too much on your arms. Focus on relaxing your shoulders and allowing your arms to hang naturally at your sides rather than pressing them against your body, especially if the pain originates from your neck. Be constantly changing your position to stay ahead of your opponents. Maintain an upright posture and ensure your spine stays aligned.

To improve your posture, use a pillow, cushion, or chair with lumbar support to support your lower back. If your arm hurts, use a cushion or pillow to keep it and make it more comfortable. Use a mirror to help you practice holding your shoulder blades down and back. Concentrate on your shoulder blades, envisioning them drawing downward and toward each other while keeping your chest stable. If you have pain when you lie down, try resting on your good side with a pillow under your neck and a folded pillow to support your head and neck.

Rest and Exercise

Taking breaks and exercising are essential even if you don’t feel like you can do much. If you can get a good balance between rest and activity, it may help prevent your shoulder from becoming stiff. There are several exercises you can do to improve your shoulders. Refrain from movements that cause pain. For instance, avoid lifting your arm above your shoulder or extending it away from your body if it hurts, as the discomfort may lessen with time. To lessen the strain on your shoulder when raising your arm, you can:

Keep your Elbows Bent and to the Side of your Body

To lower your arms, bend your elbows and bring your hands closer to your body. You may find it more comfortable to exercise after putting ice on your shoulder or taking painkillers. Keep your skin cool and wrapped in a damp towel when using ice to treat burns or irritation.

Treatment for Shoulder Pain

This section covers different treatment approaches for shoulder pain, such as adjusting activities, taking medications, and considering surgical options, based on the severity and root cause of the issue.

Activity changes

Activity modifications might involve rest, adjusting your routines, and physical therapy to enhance shoulder strength and flexibility. In addition, common-sense decisions, such as avoiding overexertion or excessive activities that you don’t usually participate in, can help prevent shoulder pain.

Medication

Your doctor might recommend medications to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. If the medication is prescribed for pain relief, it should only be taken as directed. In some cases, your doctor might suggest injections of numbing agents or steroids to ease the pain.

Surgery

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to address shoulder issues. However, for most individuals with shoulder pain, basic treatments like modifying activities, rest, exercise, and medication are usually effective. However, certain shoulder conditions, like frequent dislocations and some rotator cuff tears, may not improve with physical therapy alone. In some cases, surgery may be recommended relatively early in the disease process. Surgery may involve arthroscopy to remove scar tissue or repair torn tissues or traditional open procedures for more extensive reconstructions or shoulder replacement.

When to See a Doctor?

Unless you have an injury or experience sudden and continuous pain, you can usually treat your shoulder independently. However, if you feel that the pain is not getting better after two weeks of self-treatment, you should see your doctor or physical therapist. Likewise, if you experience severe pain in both your shoulders and pain in your thighs, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Effective management of shoulder pain involves a combination of rest, proper care, and timely medical attention. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and addressing discomfort early can prevent long-term issues. If symptoms continue, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for proper treatment.