Shoulder Pain: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
It is common for anyone, no matter their age, gender, or level of activity, to suffer from shoulder pain. Among the most complex and mobile joints in the body, the shoulder is also susceptible to injury and wear and tear. There is a wide range of shoulder pain from mild to severe, and it can interfere with your daily activities. In this post, we will discuss the possible causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of shoulder pain.
Causes of Shoulder Pain
There are many possible causes of shoulder pain, depending on the location, duration, and severity of the pain. Some of the most common causes are:
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An injury to the rotator cuff is caused by overuse, trauma, or degeneration of four muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint. Overuse, trauma, or degeneration can cause the rotator cuff to tear, inflammation, or impingement. There will be pain, stiffness, weakness, and reduced range of motion in the shoulder as a result.
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Generally, bursitis is caused by inflammation of the bursae, which cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles surrounding the joints. Bursitis is caused by overuse, infection, or injury. It can cause shoulder pain, swelling, and tenderness, especially when it is moved or pressed.
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As a result of aging, wear and tear, or autoimmune conditions, arthritis causes inflammation of the joints. The shoulder can be affected by arthritis at any point in the body, including the shoulder. The most common types of arthritis that affect the shoulder are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility.
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As a result of the thickening and tightening of the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint, frozen shoulder, sometimes called adhesive capsulitis, becomes stiff and hard to move. Injuries, surgeries, and illnesses can cause frozen shoulder, which can cause pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the shoulder that can last for months or even years. Frozen shoulder can occur after an extended period of immobility.
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During a dislocation, the upper arm bone (humerus) is separated from the socket of the shoulder blade (scapula). Injuries to the shoulder may result from trauma, such as a fall, a blow, or a sports injury. A dislocation may cause severe pain, swelling, bruising, and deformity. Nerves, blood vessels, ligaments, and tendons around the shoulder can also be damaged by a dislocation.
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The fracture occurs when a bone breaks, usually as a result of trauma, such as a fall, collision, or direct impact. There are three types of shoulder bones that can be fractured: the collarbone (clavicle), the shoulder blade (scapula), and the upper arm bone (humerus). A fracture can cause severe pain, swelling, bruising, and deformity in the shoulder. In addition to damaging nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and tendons around the shoulder joint, fractures can also cause severe pain, swelling, bruising, and deformity.
Symptoms of Shoulder Pain
The symptoms of shoulder pain can vary depending on the cause, location, and severity of the pain. Some of the common symptoms are:
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Pain in the shoulder, which can be dull, sharp, throbbing, or burning
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Pain that radiates to the neck, arm, or back
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Pain that worsens with movement, activity, or pressure
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Stiffness, tightness, or reduced range of motion in the shoulder
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Swelling, inflammation, or redness in the shoulder
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Tenderness, warmth, or sensitivity in the shoulder
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Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the shoulder or arm
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Difficulty raising the arm above the head, reaching behind the back, or carrying objects
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Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds or sensations in the shoulder
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Deformity or displacement of the shoulder
Diagnosis of Shoulder Pain
For a proper diagnosis, you should see a doctor if your shoulder pain persists for more than a few days, interferes with your daily activities, or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, chills, weight loss, or night sweats. You will be asked about your medical history, symptoms, and activities by your doctor. He will also examine your shoulder and perform some tests, such as the following:
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Your doctor will examine your shoulder to look for signs of injury, inflammation, or deformity. By asking you to perform certain movements, such as raising your arm, rotating your shoulder, or reaching behind your back, the doctor will also check your shoulder strength, stability, and mobility. Your doctor will also feel your shoulder for tenderness, swelling, and abnormalities.
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To get a detailed view of your shoulder bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves, your doctor may order imaging tests, such as X-rays, ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan. It is possible to identify the cause and extent of shoulder pain with these tests, such as a fracture, a tear, a dislocation, or an inflammation.
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To check for signs of infection, inflammation, or autoimmune conditions that may cause or contribute to your shoulder pain, your doctor may order some blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), or C-reactive protein (CRP).
A joint aspiration is a procedure where a needle is inserted into the shoulder joint and a sample of fluid is collected for analysis. Using this method, a doctor can detect bacteria, crystals, or blood in the joint, which can indicate an infection, gout, or bleeding.
Treatment of Shoulder Pain
A shoulder pain treatment plan depends on your overall health and preferences, as well as the cause, location, and severity of the pain. In order to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, restore function, and prevent complications, some of the common treatment options include:
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For pain and inflammation relief, your doctor may prescribe or recommend some medications, such as painkillers, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, or corticosteroids. As these medications have side effects or interactions with other drugs, you should follow your doctor's instructions and avoid taking more than the recommended dose or duration.
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In order to reduce pain and swelling in your shoulder, you can apply ice or heat therapy. Ice can help numb the pain and constrict the blood vessels, while heat can relax the muscles and increase blood flow. In order to reduce pain, you can use an ice pack, a heating pad, a hot water bottle, or a warm towel. To protect your skin from the ice or heat, wrap it in a cloth and apply it for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Ice and heat should also not be applied directly to your skin, or for too long, as they may cause burns or frostbite.
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Rest and activity modification: You should rest your shoulder and avoid activities that worsen your pain or cause further damage to your shoulder, such as lifting, throwing, or reaching. In addition, do not sleep on your shoulder or put pressure on it. However, do not immobilize your shoulder completely to prevent stiffness and loss of motion. To maintain your flexibility and circulation, move your shoulder gently and gradually, within your pain tolerance.
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The shoulder strength, stability, and mobility of your shoulder may be improved by physical therapy, which involves exercises, stretches, massages, and other techniques. You can receive a personalized shoulder therapy program from a physical therapist based on your condition and goals. Physical therapy can help you recover from shoulder pain, prevent further injury, and improve your performance and function.
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To reduce pain and inflammation, and promote healing, the doctor may inject corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into your shoulder joint or surrounding tissues. Under local anesthesia and with the guidance of imaging devices such as ultrasound or fluoroscopy, these injections are usually administered. It is usually reserved for situations where other treatments have failed or are contraindicated, and it may carry some risks or complications, such as infection, bleeding, or nerve damage.
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When your shoulder pain is severe, chronic, or resistant to other treatments, or if you lose significant function or quality of life, your doctor might recommend surgery. If your shoulder bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, or nerves are damaged or diseased, surgery may be required to repair, replace, or remove them. Different techniques can be used to perform surgery, including open surgery, arthroscopy, and arthroplasty. A shoulder surgery can help restore your shoulder's anatomy, function, and appearance, but it may also have some risks or complications, such as infection, bleeding, scarring, or failure.
Prevention of Shoulder Pain
You can prevent or reduce the risk of shoulder pain by taking some measures, such as:
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It is important to warm up and cool down before and after physical activity, whether it is exercise, sports, or work, so as to prepare your muscles, joints, and blood vessels for the activity and to prevent stiffness, soreness, or injury after the activity. It is possible to warm up and cool down with some light cardio, such as jogging, cycling, or skipping, and dynamic stretches, such as arm circles, shoulder rolls, and neck rotations.
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For strong, healthy muscles, bones, and joints, you should exercise regularly. In addition to 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, or dancing, you should aim for two or more strength training sessions per week, such as lifting weights, doing push-ups, or using resistance bands. To improve range of motion and stability in your shoulder and other joints, you should also include some flexibility and balance exercises, such as yoga, pilates, or tai chi.
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To prevent unnecessary stress and strain on your shoulders and other parts of your body, maintain good posture when sitting, standing, or lying down. In addition to aligning your head, neck, and spine, you should maintain your shoulders back and down, your chest open, and your core engaged during each exercise. You should also avoid slouching, hunching, or leaning forward, and adjust your chair, desk, keyboard, mouse, or monitor to suit your height and comfort.
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When lifting, carrying, throwing, or reaching, make sure you use proper technique. If possible, use both hands or a cart or trolley when lifting or carrying objects that are too heavy, too large, or too far from your body. In addition, you should avoid sudden, jerky, or excessive movements when throwing or reaching, and use your entire body or your legs to generate momentum and power. In addition, if you are engaged in any sport or exercise that involves your shoulder, you should follow the instructions and guidelines of your coach, trainer, or instructor.
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Rest your shoulder periodically: Especially if you are typing, painting, or playing an instrument that requires repetitive, prolonged, or intense shoulder use, you should take breaks and rest your shoulder periodically. In addition, you should listen to your body and stop or modify your activity if you experience pain, discomfort, or fatigue in your shoulder, or avoid overusing or overloading it. Getting enough sleep and relaxation can also help your body heal and recover from stress or injury.
Whenever you experience severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, chills, weight loss, or night sweats, you should seek medical attention, since this may indicate a serious or underlying condition that requires immediate or urgent attention. You should also seek medical attention if you have shoulder pain that does not improve or worsens with home remedies, such as medications, ice, heat, rest, or physical therapy, as this may indicate that you are suffering from a chronic or complicated condition that requires professional or specialized treatment.
