Shoulder-

Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can be explained as the discomfort we feel around our shoulder region. Of all the joints in the human body, the shoulder joint has the greatest range of motion. The range of motion in the shoulder is extensive and flexible which is provided by the rotator cuff, a collection of four muscles along with their tendons and deltoid muscle.

Shoulder discomfort may be brought on by rotator cuff swelling, injury, or bone changes. When you raise your arm above your head or move it in front of or behind your back, you could experience discomfort.

The shoulder is made up of three bones: the collarbone (clavicle), the shoulder blade, and the upper arm bone (humerus). These bones are cushioned by a layer of cartilage. The upper arm bone's head fits into a circular socket called a glenoid in the shoulder blade. Muscles and tendons work together to maintain the arm bone centered in the shoulder socket (glenoid). They cover the upper arm bone's head and connect it to your shoulder blade.

What we refer to as the shoulder is actually a group of joints, tendons, and muscles that work together to provide the arm with a wide range of motion, from scratching your back to throwing a rock to other day-to-day activities. Three bones make up the shoulder: the collarbone (clavicle), the shoulder blade, and the upper arm bone (humerus). A cartilage layer covers these bones to provide cushioning. 

We can hurt our shoulders through physical labor, sports, or even repeated movements. Certain disorders might cause discomfort to radiate to the shoulder. These include cervical spine (neck) disorders as well as liver, heart, and gallbladder problems.

We are more likely to have shoulder difficulties as we age, especially beyond the age of 60. This is due to the fact that the soft tissues around the shoulder degrade with age. We can cure shoulder discomfort at home in many circumstances. Physical therapy, medicines, or surgery may also be required.

Symptoms/ Causes of Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can be identified as certain discomfort you feel down your neck to the shoulder, which often moves down the arms and back. Shoulder pain can be caused by a variety of reasons and diseases. Rotator cuff tendinitis is the most common cause. This condition is distinguished by swollen tendons. Impingement syndrome is another common cause of shoulder discomfort, in which the rotator cuff becomes stuck between the acromion (the region of the scapula that surrounds the ball) and the humeral head (the ball portion of the humerus).

Injury to another part of your body, generally the neck or biceps, can cause shoulder pain. This is called referred pain. Referred pain does not usually worsen as you move your shoulder.
Experiencing shoulder pain while sleeping, shoulder pain while exercising, sharp shoulder pain with overhead movement, or feeling instability, etc., may be a minor concern or indicator of a serious issue. Causes of shoulder pain are:

  • Arthritis of the shoulder
  • Spurs of bone in the shoulder region
  • Bursitis is an inflammation of a fluid-filled sac (bursa) that ordinarily protects and helps the joint move smoothly.
  • Shoulder fracture
  • Shoulder joint dislocation
  • A frozen shoulder occurs when the muscles, tendons, and ligaments within the shoulder become stiff and unpleasant to move.
  • Overuse or damage to neighboring tendons, such as the arms' biceps
  • Nerve damage causes aberrant shoulder mobility.
  • Tendon tears in the rotator cuff
  • Poor shoulder mechanics and posture

Shoulder Pain: When to Seek Help?

Some minor shoulder pain can be fixed at home via different home remedies. You might try the following to ease mild shoulder pain:
 
Pain Killers: Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium and other NSAIDs may be helpful.

Rest: Use your shoulder in ways that produce or aggravate discomfort.

Ice: Apply an ice pack to your aching shoulder many times each day for 15 to 20 minutes.

Often, self-care practices and a little time are all that is required to alleviate shoulder discomfort.

If these remedies fail to relieve your pain, get to a hospital or orthopedic specialist as soon as possible as you never know what health risk neglected shoulder pain may bring. Often shoulder discomfort coupled with trouble breathing or a feeling of pressure in the chest may indicate a heart attack and need emergency medical intervention.

Seek medical assistance right away if your shoulder discomfort is caused by an injury and is accompanied by:

  • A joint that looks to be twisted
  • Inability to lift your arm away from your body or use the joint
  • Excruciating pain
  • Swelling that occurs suddenly

Plan a visit to the office or consult your doctor if your shoulder discomfort is accompanied by: 

  • Swelling
  • Redness
  • Tenderness and warmth in the vicinity of the joint
shoulder_pain.jpg

If medical treatment is suggested it involves rest, modifying your activities, and physical therapy to increase shoulder strength and flexibility. Medication to relieve inflammation and discomfort may be prescribed by your doctor. If pain medicine is recommended, it should be taken exactly as prescribed. Some shoulder disorders may necessitate surgery. The vast majority of people with shoulder discomfort, however, will need basic therapy measures such as activity modification, rest, exercise, and medication.

How to Prevent Shoulder Pain?

Preventing shoulder pain involves improving the day to activities and being a bit attentive. Simple shoulder exercises can help stretch and strengthen muscles and tendons in the rotator cuff. A physical or occupational therapist can teach you how to execute things correctly.

If you've had past shoulder problems, use ice for 15 minutes after exercising to avoid further injury. Following bursitis or tendinitis, completing easy range-of-motion exercises on a daily basis can help prevent a frozen shoulder.

Is shoulder pain troubling you? If so, Bone and Joints is here to take the pain off your shoulders. Bone and Joints with its exemplary team of orthopedic specialists are here to provide quality treatment with an honest opinion on how to move things forward. If you are looking for a place you can trust your health with, visit or contact Bone and Joints today.

Contact us today so you may resume your warrior lifestyle as soon as possible.