10 Ways to Deal with Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain is a common complaint that affects millions of people worldwide. The shoulder joint is a complex structure consisting of bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments that work together to provide mobility and stability to the arm. Shoulder pain can occur due to various reasons, such as overuse, trauma, degenerative changes, or underlying medical conditions. It can impair a person’s everyday activities and quality of life and range in intensity from minor discomfort to severe pain.

Identifying the cause of shoulder pain is crucial to determine the appropriate treatment, which may include physical therapy, medication, or surgery. Early intervention and management can prevent the progression of shoulder pain and improve outcomes. In this context, understanding the common causes, symptoms, and treatment options is vital for individuals experiencing such discomfort.

Common causes

Many factors can lead to shoulder pain, some of which are more frequent than others. It is critical to determine the cause to choose the best course of action. Some of the most typical reasons include the following:

Rotator cuff injuries: The muscles and tendons that encircle the shoulder joint are collectively known as the rotator cuff. A rotator cuff injury can result in discomfort, weakness, and restricted movement.

Frozen shoulder: This condition, also known as adhesive capsulitis, develops when the tissue encircling the shoulder joint swells and tightens, impairing motion and producing pain.

Shoulder impingement: This occurs when the tendons or bursae in the shoulder become compressed or pinched between the bones, causing pain and inflammation.

Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, small sacs of fluid that cushion the joints, can cause pain and stiffness in the shoulder.

Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis can cause inflammation and damage to the shoulder joint, leading to pain and stiffness.

Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons in the shoulder can cause pain and weakness, particularly with repetitive overhead movements.

Fractures: Fractures or breaks in the shoulder bones can cause severe pain and limited mobility.

Symptoms

Shoulder ache symptoms can change depending on the underlying reason and severity of the problem. Common symptoms include:

• Pain or discomfort in the shoulder joint that may be sharp, dull, or aching.
• Stiffness or restricted range of motion in the shoulder joint.
• Weakness in the arm or shoulder.
• Swelling or inflammation in the shoulder area.
• Difficulty performing daily activities that involve the use of the shoulder, such as reaching, lifting, or carrying objects.
• Popping or snapping sounds when moving the shoulder joint.
• Tingling or numbness in the arm or hand.
• In some cases, shoulder pain may be accompanied by fever or chills, which may indicate an infection.

It’s crucial to consult a doctor if you suffer any of these symptoms in order to identify the root cause of your shoulder pain and receive the right care. Early intervention can enhance results and stop the problem from getting worse.

Ways to manage shoulder pain

Strengthening muscles and reducing inflammation are common treatments for shoulder pain. Here are a few methods to get rid of shoulder aches:

1. Pain medication – Many anti-inflammatory drugs are sold over the counter and can aid pain management and reduce inflammation. Everybody’s home medical kit typically has aspirin and ibuprofen, which help treat pain brought on by tendonitis, arthritis, or other shoulder ailments. Many topical painkilling gels and lotions are available that can be administered locally to the painful area.
2. Cold compress – A cold compress can effectively reduce pain and inflammation in the shoulder joint. The affected area can be treated with a cold compress to help constrict blood vessels, lessen swelling, and numb the area, relieving pain.
3. Heat therapy – Heat therapy can also be an effective way to reduce pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. Applying heat to the affected area can help increase blood flow, relax muscles, and reduce pain.
4. Compression – Compression therapy can be a helpful way to reduce swelling and provide support to the shoulder joint, especially if an injury or inflammation causes shoulder pain. Wrap an elastic bandage or compression sleeve around the affected shoulder, starting at the lower part of the arm and working your way up. Keep the compression on for several hours, but remove it periodically to allow the skin to breathe.
5. Adequate rest – Avoid activities that aggravate your shoulder pain and rest the affected area as much as possible to allow it to heal.
6. Reduce the strain – Reducing the strain on your shoulder can successfully treat shoulder pain and prevent further injury. Activities involving repetitive overhead movements, such as painting or lifting heavy objects, can strain the shoulder joint and lead to pain and injury. Try to avoid these activities or take frequent breaks to rest your shoulder.
7. Lifestyle modifications – A healthy weight, excellent posture, and avoiding repetitive overhead movements are some lifestyle changes that can help prevent further shoulder injuries and ease pain.
8. Massage therapy – Massage therapy can be an effective treatment option for shoulder pain relief. It can help improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and alleviate muscle tension, which can all contribute to shoulder pain.
9. Chiropractic care – Chiropractors are trained to assess and treat musculoskeletal conditions, including shoulder pain. Chiropractic care involves adjusting the spine and joints to improve alignment and reduce pain. Depending on the underlying cause of your pain, your chiropractor may use a variety of treatment techniques to relieve your symptoms.
10. Shoulder exercises and stretches – Regular shoulder workouts and stretching can strengthen the shoulder muscles and reduce pain. These stretches and exercises must be performed correctly to prevent the shoulder issue from getting worse. Exercises must be started after a sufficient warm-up, and they must be stopped right away if the pain begins to worsen. Some exercises like the overhead shoulder stretch, shoulder circles, across-the-chest stretch, and pendulum stretch are effective for relieving pain.

Preventing shoulder pain

The very first approach is to get quality rest so that your body can recover from daily stressors and regenerate. A nutritious, well-balanced diet can also keep your body powered with the nutrients it needs to perform. Maintaining good posture, exercising regularly, avoiding repetitive movements, and using proper workout techniques are some of the ways to prevent shoulder aches.

If you experience chronic or severe shoulder pain, consult an orthopedic professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Why 7DMC?

We are a cutting-edge clinic providing high-quality care for patients of all ages with shoulder discomfort. Our orthopedic department includes a remarkable group of medical professionals who can offer you the best non-surgical or surgical care for your ailments. We are dedicated to giving you the specialized care and attention that you require to recover from your ailments and injuries and resume an active and healthy lifestyle.

Summary

Many factors can contribute to shoulder pain. You could have overdone a task like painting or hurt it in a fall or accident. Sometimes a disorder like arthritis can also cause pain. It can also arise from any discomfort in another part of your body; this is called referred pain. You can control and relieve the pain with some of the techniques described in this article. But if the discomfort continues, seek the right care from an orthopedic specialist.

References

healthline.com/health/shoulder-pain-remedies

webmd.com/pain-management/why-does-my-shoulder-hurt

versusarthritis.org/news/2021/june/five-ways-to-help-shoulder-pain/