Suffering from continuous shoulder pain? Yet unaware of the exact shoulder pain reason? Well, shoulder pain reason may be diverse, ranging from minor muscle strains to more severe medical conditions. Read along to know some of the main causes of shoulder pain.
Causes of Shoulder Pain
i) Muscle Strain or Tendonitis
Overuse or repetitive movements can lead to muscle strains or inflammation of the tendons in the shoulder. This is a common cause of shoulder pain, especially among athletes and individuals who perform repetitive tasks.
ii) Rotator Cuff Injuries
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that help stabilize the shoulder joint. Injuries to the rotator cuff, such as tears or inflammation, can result in shoulder pain, weakness and limited range of motion. For more insights on this, refer to DocTube.
iii) Frozen Shoulder
This condition involves the thickening and tightening of the shoulder joint capsule, leading to pain and stiffness (Robinson, C.M., Seah, K.M., Chee, Y.H., Hindle, P. and Murray, I.R., 2012. Frozen shoulder. The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery British Volume, 94(1), pp.1-9). It typically develops gradually and can limit shoulder mobility.
iv) Arthritis
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the shoulder joint, leading to pain, stiffness and reduced mobility.
v) Bursitis
Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that cushion and reduce friction between bones, tendons and muscles (Draghi, F., Scudeller, L., Draghi, A.G. and Bortolotto, C., 2015. Prevalence of subacromial-subdeltoid bursitis in shoulder pain: an ultrasonographic study. Journal of ultrasound, 18, pp.151-158). Inflammation of these sacs can cause pain and discomfort in the shoulder.
vi) Fractures
A fracture or break in any of the bones in or around the shoulder, such as the collarbone or the upper arm bone, can cause severe pain and require medical attention.
vii) Nerve Compression
Pinched or compressed nerves in the neck or shoulder can lead to referred pain in the shoulder area.
viii) Tendon Tears
Apart from rotator cuff tears, tears in other tendons in the shoulder, such as the biceps tendon, can cause pain and functional limitations.
viii) Impingement Syndrome
This occurs when the rotator cuff tendons or bursa become pinched or impinged between the bones of the shoulder (Garving, C., Jakob, S., Bauer, I., Nadjar, R. and Brunner, U.H., 2017. Impingement syndrome of the shoulder. Deutsches Ärzteblatt International, 114(45), p.765). It can result in pain and limited movement.
ix) Referred Pain
Conditions like heart disease or gallbladder disease can cause referred pain that is felt in the shoulder and may be mistaken for shoulder pain.
x) Infections or Abscesses
Infections within the shoulder joint or surrounding tissues can lead to pain, swelling and redness.
xi) Tumors
Rarely, tumors or growths within the shoulder or nearby structures can cause pain and should be evaluated promptly by a healthcare provider.
Management of Shoulder Pain
The management of shoulder pain depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the pain. Here are some general strategies and treatments commonly used to alleviate shoulder pain:
i) Activity Modification and Rest
Give your shoulder time to rest, especially if the pain is due to overuse or strain.
Irrespective of the shoulder pain reason, avoid activities that worsen the pain or place excessive stress on the shoulder joint (Tallia, A.F. and Cardone, D.A., 2003. Diagnostic and therapeutic injection of the shoulder region. American family physician, 67(6), pp.1271-1278).
Gradually reintroduce activity and exercise as the pain improves.
ii) Ice and Heat Therapy
Apply ice to the painful area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day, during the initial stages of pain to reduce inflammation.
After the acute phase, heat therapy, such as a warm compress, may help relax muscles and improve blood flow to the area.
iii) Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Different nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be effective in reducing inflammation and shoulder pain (Rawe, I.M. and Kotak, D.C., 2015. A UK registry study of the effectiveness of a new over-the-counter chronic pain therapy. Pain management, 5(6), pp.413-423). Follow the dosing instructions on the label or consult a healthcare provider.
iv) Physical Therapy
A physical therapist can design a tailored exercise program to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder joint, improve flexibility and enhance shoulder stability.
v) Corticosteroid Injections
For conditions involving inflammation, such as bursitis or certain types of arthritis, a healthcare provider may recommend corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain (Coombes, B.K., Bisset, L. and Vicenzino, B., 2010. Efficacy and safety of corticosteroid injections and other injections for management of tendinopathy: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials. The Lancet, 376(9754), pp.1751-1767).
vi) Activity Modification
Adjust your daily activities and work ergonomics to minimize repetitive motions or positions that worsen the pain.
vii) Immobilization
In some cases, using a sling or brace to immobilize the shoulder for a period may be necessary, particularly after certain types of injuries or surgeries.
viii) Hot/Cold Compresses
Applying a hot or cold compress to the shoulder can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Cold is generally more effective for acute injuries, while heat may be better for chronic pain or muscle tightness.
ix) Strengthening Exercises
Gradual strengthening exercises prescribed by a physical therapist can help improve the stability and function of the shoulder joint (Burbank, K.M., Stevenson, J.H., Czarnecki, G.R. and Dorfman, J., 2008. Chronic shoulder pain: part II. Treatment. American family physician, 77(4), pp.493-497).
x) Surgical Intervention
In cases of severe injury, rotator cuff tears, or certain structural problems, surgery may be necessary. Surgery aims to repair damaged tissues or stabilize the shoulder joint.
xi) Lifestyle Modifications
Maintaining a healthy weight, proper posture and ergonomics can reduce the risk of developing or exacerbating shoulder pain.
It is essential to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan for your specific shoulder condition. The management of shoulder pain should be guided by the underlying cause, and your healthcare provider can recommend the most appropriate interventions to alleviate your pain and improve shoulder function.
FAQs
1. Are over-the-counter painkillers good for shoulder pain?
Ans. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers are effective in relieving shoulder pain by reducing inflammation in the shoulder joint.
2. How to permanently relieve shoulder pain?
Ans. To permanently relieve shoulder pain, keep yourself active and move your shoulders gently. Try moderate exercises and use cold or heat packs to relieve the pain.