SHOULDER PAIN

Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

1. Rotator Cuff Injuries

Tendinitis:
- Inflammation of the tendons.
Bursitis:
- Inflammation of the bursae that cushion the shoulder.
Tears:
- Partial or complete tears of the rotator cuff tendons.

2. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis):

Stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint, often worsening over time.

3. Shoulder Impingement

Occurs when the shoulder blade exerts pressure on the rotator cuff tendons

4. Arthritis:

Osteoarthritis:
- Wear and tear of cartilage in the shoulder joint.
Rheumatoid Arthritis:
- An autoimmune condition causing inflammation of the joint lining.

5. Shoulder Dislocation:

When the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder blade socket.

6. Labral Tear:

Tear of the ring of cartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket.

7. Fractures:

Breaks in the collarbone, upper arm bone, or shoulder blade.

8. Referred Pain:

Pain that originates from other areas like the neck or back but is felt in the shoulder.

Symptoms

Pain and tenderness in the shoulder.
Stiffness and reduced range of motion.
Swelling or bruising.
Weakness in the shoulder or arm.
Clicking or popping sounds when moving the shoulder.
Difficulty performing daily activities.

Diagnosis

Physical Examination: :
- A doctor will assess the shoulder for pain, swelling, range of motion, and weakness.
X-rays: :
- To check for fractures or arthritis
MRI or CT Scan:
- For detailed images of soft tissues like tendons, ligaments, and cartilage
Arthritis::
- Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can cause elbow pain due to joint inflammation.
Ultrasound:
- To evaluate the condition of the tendons and muscles.
Arthroscopy:
- A minimally invasive procedure to diagnose and sometimes treat shoulder joint issues.

Treatment Options

Self-Care and Home Remedies

Rest:
- Avoid activities that aggravate the pain.
Ice and Heat Therapy:
- Apply ice packs to reduce swelling and heat packs to alleviate stiffness.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers:
- Medications like ibuprofen or paracetamol to reduce pain and inflammation.
Stretching and Strengthening Exercises:
- Gentle exercises to maintain flexibility and strengthen the muscles around the shoulder.

Medical Treatments:

Physical Therapy:
- Tailored exercises and techniques to strengthen the shoulder muscles and improve flexibility.
Medications:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroid injections, or medications for underlying conditions like arthritis.
Assistive Devices:
- Using slings or braces to support the shoulder and reduce pressure.
Surgery:
- Required for severe cases, such as rotator cuff repair, shoulder arthroscopy, or shoulder replacement.

Physical Therapy

Exercises:
- Specific exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles around the elbow.
Manual Therapy::
- Techniques to improve joint function and reduce pain.

Lifestyle Changes

Maintain a Healthy Weight:
- Reduces stress on the shoulder joints.
Regular Exercise:
- Low-impact activities like swimming or cycling to keep the shoulder joints flexible and strong.
Proper Posture::
- Maintain good posture to avoid unnecessary strain on the shoulders.
Avoid Overuse:
- Modify activities to avoid repetitive stress on the shoulders.

When to Seek Medical Help

Severe pain or swelling that doesn’t improve with self-care.
Inability to move the shoulder or bear weight on it.
Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, and fever
Sudden onset of intense pain or swelling.

You can usually do things to ease shoulder pain yourself. See a GP if it does not start feeling better after 2 weeks

Consulting with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and comprehensive treatment plan is essential for effectively managing shoulder pain.