If you’re experiencing pain in the shoulder, it can be disheartening to think about how your day-to-day life will change. You may have to avoid certain activities or positions; no matter what you do, the pain doesn’t seem to go away completely. Luckily, shoulder pain treatment has come a long way in recent years, thanks to the work of orthopedic surgeons and other professionals who specialize in this kind of care. Here’s everything you need to know about shoulder-pain types, types, and treatment.
What is shoulder pain?
An injury, illness, or an ongoing condition can lead to shoulder pain. One of the most common causes of shoulder pain is a rotator cuff injury. Still, it can also be due to arthritis, tears in the tendons that attach muscles to bones, or inflammation from many other things like osteoarthritis. The posterior shoulder pain will start from the back and go around your arm, while a sore, burning shoulder will feel like an acute sudden onset.
Shoulder anatomy
The shoulder comprises three joints: the glenohumeral joint between the arm and scapula, the acromioclavicular joint between the clavicle and acromion process, and the sternoclavicular joint. The coracoid process (a part of your scapula) attaches to a tendon that runs through a small opening in your arm bone. Together with your rotator cuff muscles, these tendons help hold your arm in place while you move it around.
What Causes Shoulder Pain?
Posterior shoulder pain is often caused by sitting in one position for too long, not stretching, or sleeping in a fetal position. Warm or burning typically indicates the person has an infection on the skin surface of the shoulder blade. Shooting (radiating) pain is usually a sign of injury or arthritis. Sharp shoulder-pain is usually due to muscle strain, tendonitis, inflammation of the bursa, or an arthritic condition.
Symptoms of shoulder pain
You should be concerned about pain in the shoulder if the discomfort is new, does not go away with sleep or rest, and makes it difficult for you to move your arm. Other symptoms include a feeling of popping or creaking, weakness in one arm, numbness or tingling in the fingers, or pain that worsens at night while lying on your arm.
Is there a solution for chronic shoulder pain?
One of the common treatments for chronic pain in the shoulder is cortisone injections. These cortisone shots can be very effective for treating achy or stiff shoulders. The downside of this treatment is that it can take three to four weeks before the relief takes effect.
For those who want to avoid needles, doctors may recommend non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or naproxen, which have also been shown to work. Some physicians will prescribe NSAIDs with physical therapy to provide patients with all the tools they need for their recovery. In extreme cases, surgery may be necessary to remove calcium deposits from around the shoulder joint and relieve pressure on the rotator cuff tendons.
What are the common types of shoulder problems?
Many different factors can cause pain in the shoulder. This pain can vary from a mild ache that may go away with proper rest to a debilitating feeling of pins and needles. There are many common shoulder problems, such as tendinitis, bursitis, rotator cuff injury, tennis elbow, and frozen shoulder. Tendinitis is inflammation of the tendons that attach muscle to bone or a condition caused by overuse.
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Frozen shoulder
Many people feel pain in the shoulder due to an injury or repetitive motion that causes inflammation and stiffness. For example, injuries from overuse such as a swimmer’s shoulder, rotator cuff injuries, fractures of the shoulder blade, and loose tendons in the shoulder can all cause pain on one side of the shoulder blade. Frozen shoulders are also another cause of chronic pain.
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Rotator cuff injury
What is the rotator cuff? A rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint.
Here are five signs you may have a rotator cuff injury: Warm or burning, Shooting (radiating), Sharp pain in the shoulder, Aching shoulder pain. It feels like your arm or hand is falling asleep.
Read also: How to Get Rid of Cankles: The Best Way to Cure Your Cankles
Are there treatments for a rotator cuff injury?
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Bursitis
It often occurs from overuse or age-related inflammation and arthritis. Bursitis typically worsens with activities related to lifting, such as rowing or using exercise equipment at home. Resting the shoulder can help ease pain and lessen discomfort. Patients may find relief by icing the affected area, wearing a sling, or taking anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve).
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Tendinitis
Shoulder pain is the most common chronic pain people experience, and aching pain can develop from more than one cause. Tendinitis, one of the more severe causes of pain, results from inflamed tendons in the rotator cuff or bursa sacs. It may also be caused by bony growths around the joint or, rarely, arthritis in your upper arm bone.
Understanding the anatomy of the shoulder joint
The shoulder joint is a complex combination of bones, muscles, ligaments, and nerves. It consists of the collarbone (clavicle), the two scapulae or shoulder blades, and four joints: two between the clavicle and scapula (the acromioclavicular joint) and two between the scapula and humerus (the glenohumeral joint).
Three bursae provide padding for the many different structures that work together in this area. All these parts work together to allow your arm to move smoothly in front of you while you’re sitting, reaching up or behind you when you’re standing, turning your head from side to side, and lifting your arm overhead.
Treatment options for shoulder pain
Shoulder-pain is one of the most common problems orthopedic surgeons are consulted for. Here are some treatment options that may help:
1) Anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen or Naproxen may help decrease inflammation.
2) Cortisone injections can be administered by a physician and last between two weeks and six months.
3) Taking time off work – Rest is essential in allowing the shoulder joint to heal. Painkillers can be used but should not replace rest. A doctor’s advice should always be sought when it comes to these issues. 4) Physical therapy exercises can also relieve burning, shooting, sharp, and aching pains.
How can I prevent shoulder pain?
To help prevent pain in the shoulder, you should ensure that your posture is correct and work on strengthening your upper back and core muscles. Strengthening these muscles will help take some of the load off of your shoulder muscles, which in turn will decrease their likelihood of becoming injured.
When should I seek medical help?
It is not recommended that you try and self-diagnosis shoulder-pain alone. Your doctor can give you a more accurate diagnosis and proper treatment, which might involve surgery or physical therapy. Physical therapy is often used for shoulder impingement, arthritis, rotator cuff injury, or frozen shoulder (otherwise known as adhesive capsulitis). Surgery may be necessary for more severe problems such as shoulder fractures or tears of the rotator cuff.
Conclusion
The shoulder joint can be a complicated area for some people. It is often caused by inflammation in the rotator cuff and bursa. This condition can cause shooting or sharp pain and dull or aching pain. The biggest thing you can do when experiencing shoulder pain is to find the proper treatment that will work for you. One treatment might help in one instance but not work in another.
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