Shoulder Pain

Shoulder Pain: Causes, symptoms, treatments

Shoulder Pain
08 Apr

The shoulder has a very significant and vital role in our routine activities. It looks like a ball-and-socket joint that comprises three main bones: the humerus, the clavicle, and the scapula, which are cushioned by cartilage. The majority of physical motions rely on the shoulder joints.The shoulder pain could be caused by muscles, bone, or tendon damage. Moreover, there is a list of other potential causes of should pain or discomfort explained below.

The shoulder joint is considered as one of the most mobile joints of the human body that enables the shoulder to move at 3600 angle. You’ve probably heard of the rotator cuff. It’s a collection of muscles that help to support your shoulder and get their range of motion.

Whenever you get any discomfort or trouble in your shoulder, it will adversely affect your mobility, even for routine activities.  This article will guide you about shoulder disorders, their possible causes, symptoms, and remedies.

Causes of shoulder pain

In most cases, shoulder pain is caused by trauma or swelling in the rotator cuff muscles. The second most common cause of shoulder pain is bone abnormalities around the rotator cuff, in which discomfort is felt when the shoulder and arms are moved. Moreover, other possible reasons for shoulder pain include: 

Shoulder Pain Arthritis 

Arthritis develops when tissues in the shoulder joints become damaged and feeble. The cartilages begin to collapse over time and causing pain. This damage doesn’t develop overnight; it takes time for shoulder joints to grow and be affected by arthritis on one or both of the shoulder joints. First, the cartilage begins to soften and weaken, then it begins to be ripped away, and finally, the bones start to display out of these protecting tissues. The most severe stage is cartilage loss, in which the bones of the shoulder are no longer cushioned by soft tissue and begin to rub against one another.

Shoulder Pain Symptoms

  • Pain in joints
  • Difficulty in shoulder movements
  • Joint’s stiffness
  • Feeling shoulder lock up more often

Treatment of Shoulder Pain

Surgical procedures, medication, lifestyle changes, and physical workouts can all be used to treat this problem. It is strongly advised to consult your doctor for the correct diagnostic option and treatment. A few exercises, medications, and surgery suggestions are provided here. 

Pain management:

The first and most pressing issue for each patient is pain. To relieve discomfort, you can adopt the following option;

  • Take medicine.
  • Try hot and cold therapies. 
  • Use painkillers to alleviate pain immediately, but their potential advantages are limited. 
  • Injections such as cortisone shots can be used. 
  • Use a hot compress to relieve pain. For this, you have to take a warm cloth and place it over your shoulder where you are experiencing pain. Hold it for a few moments, and then repeat the method every few hours. 
  • Cold therapy is another way to relieve pain. For this, you’ll need an ice pack, which you’ll place over your shoulder. When it comes to physical ailments, ice is a lifesaver. 
  • Physical therapy: If you cannot move your shoulder, you may require physical therapy to regain your range of motion. Stretching is an excellent way to relieve joint stiffness. However, if exercising causes you more discomfort, you should stop because it aims to heal your shoulder joints and tissues, not rip them apart even more. 
  • Surgery: If medication and exercise fail to relieve pain and restore cartilage, surgery is the last option. There are two surgical therapies for arthritis, depending on the patient’s state. The first is arthroscopic shoulder debridement, in which a camera is incised to remove the shoulder joint. Shoulder replacement is the second therapeutic option for severe instances. There are two types of shoulder replacements; 
  • Standard total shoulder replacement 
  • Reverse total shoulder replacement 

A doctor will recommend the type of replacement depending on the patient’s condition.

Shoulder Pain Bursitis

Shoulder Bursitis is a disorder in which the inflammation in bursa fluid (fluid-filled sac in your joints) causes irritation and pain in the joints. Heavy and repetitive actions can cause shoulder bursitis. Its symptoms, causes, and therapy are listed below. 

Shoulder Bursitis Symptoms

  • Redness on the shoulder
  • Swelling 
  • Pain during motions
  • Itchiness
  • Joint’s stiffness
  • Bruising

Shoulder Bursitis Causes

The bursa can be inflamed for various reasons, but the most common cause is excessive bursa pressure. Shoulder Bursitis is caused by heavy motions such as kicking a golf ball with a lot of power or completing workouts that exert a lot of weight and pressure on the shoulders. Infection, trauma, or shoulder injuries are all possible causes. 

Shoulder Bursitis Treatment 

Shoulder treatment depends upon the severity of bursitis, determined by the patient’s condition. If your situation isn’t too bad, you just need to take some rest and pain relievers. Your shoulder joints, meanwhile, will mend on their own. While infected bursitis requires prompt medical attention. 

Shoulder Bursitis 

Chronic bursitis is not a life-threatening condition. You may have excruciating pain that should subside within a few weeks; however, if it does not, you should consult your doctor. First of all, you must give shoulder joints some time to relax. Avoid excessive movements, and if you exercise or participate in sports regularly, take a break for a few days. You can take pain relievers like ibuprofen, celebrex, or you can have an injection of steroids or cortisone if your pain is severe. Inflammation is significantly reduced by using a warm compress or icing. Both of these remedies have already been discussed.

Infected Bursitis

This bursitis is a severe condition that necessitates accurate diagnosis and treatment. For this, your doctor may treat it by removing the bursa with an injection. Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial medications can also be used to treat infected bursitis.

Shoulder Trauma

Shoulder trauma can result in a fractured or dislocated shoulder. When your shoulder bone is fractured or broken, it is called a fracture, but when your shoulder bones are dislocated from their original position, it is called a dislocation. Both of these disorders produce considerable shoulder aches. Shoulder pain symptoms, causes, and treatments are listed below. 

Shoulder Trauma Symptoms

  • Severe pain
  • Swelling and bruising 
  • Difficulty in movements 
  • Swelling in collarbone
  • Dead arm 

Shoulder Trauma Causes

A fracture is a break in a bone that occurs due to a collision or other mishap. Chest injuries are commonly associated with shoulder fractures. Unusual and severe twisting arm or shoulder movements can result in a dislocated shoulder. A fracture or dislocation can also occur as a result of a fall. 

Shoulder Trauma Treatment 

Different non-surgical and surgical treatments are available for shoulder damage. Non-surgical treatments include medication, immobilization of the affected area, rest, and home cures for pain relief and healing. Hot and cold cures are examples of home remedies. Moreover, surgical ligaments can also be used to repair severe dislocations. 

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