|
|
|
|
Shoulder pain involves any pain in or around the shoulder joint. The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the human body. The joint includes four tendons. The purpose of a tendon is to hold muscle to bone. Together, these four "rotator cuff" tendons stabilize the upper arm bone to the shoulder socket and allow a wide range of motion in the shoulder. Any swelling, inflammation, tearing, or bony changes around these tendons causes pain when a person tries to move the arm above the head, behind the back, or straight out in front.
Common Causes
The tendons pass underneath a rigid bony arch in the shoulder. The most common cause of shoulder pain is when the tendons become trapped under this arch. The compressed tendons become inflamed or damaged, a condition called rotator cuff tendinitis. This can occur from general wear and tear as you get older, an activity that requires constant shoulder use like baseball pitching, or an injury.
Shoulder pain can also be due to:
Arthritis
in the joints about the shoulder (gradual narrowing of the joints and loss of
protective cartilage) or
Bursitis (inflammation of a fluid-filled sac, or bursa, that lies between tendon
and skin or between tendon and bone). Normally a bursa protects the joint and
helps make movement more fluid or
Fractures of the shoulder bones or
Frozen shoulder syndrome occurs when you don't move your shoulder because of
pain or injury. The muscles or connective structures stiffen up inside the shoulder
and make any motion painful and difficult or
Inflammation of nearby tendons, such as those connected to the bicep muscles
of your arms, from overuse or injury or
Dislocation of your shoulder, which is when the ball-shaped head of your arm
comes out of the socket or
Home Care
When you first feel shoulder pain, apply ice for up to 15 minutes, then leave it off for 15 minutes. Repeat this cycle for several hours. Wrap the ice in a cloth, DO NOT apply ice directly to the skin. Then, continue to ice 3 to 4 times a day for 2 to 3 days and
Rest the shoulder from strenuous activity for the next few days. When the pain and swelling have subsided, gradually begin to strengthen the shoulder muscles. Perform light weight lifting, using a full range of motion. Consider seeing a physical therapist for help doing this safely and
Ibuprofen may help reduce inflammation and pain and
Call your health care provider immediately if you feel sudden pressure or crushing pain in your shoulder, especially if it extends from your chest, jaw, or neck, or occurs with shortness of breath, dizziness or sweating. Very sudden shoulder pain can, occasionally, be a sign of a heart attack. or
If you just had a severe blow or injury and your painful shoulder is swollen, badly bruised, or bleeding, get safely to an emergency room where they will check for a fracture or dislocation.
Contact your doctor if :
You have
fever, swelling, or redness or
You are unable to use the joint or
Your pain lasts more than 1-2 weeks despite self-care measures.
What to expect at your health care provider's office :-
Your health care provider will perform a physical examination, including a detailed examination of the shoulder, and ask questions such as.
Does the
pain affect one or both shoulders?
Does your pain travel from the shoulder to other joints?
Where in your shoulder do you feel the pain? The front, side, or top?
Does the pain occur when you lift your arm overhead or away from your body?
Did your pain start suddenly? Is it severe? Or, did it begin slowly and mildly
and then get worse?
Diagnostic tests that may be performed vary depending on the results of your
physical examination. Treatment may include the following:
Nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
A corticosteroid injection
Referral to a physical therapist and instructions on rehabilitation
Surgery is a last resort.
Prevention
If you
have had shoulder pain in the past, use ice and ibuprofen after exercising or
Learn proper exercises to stretch and strengthen your rotator cuff tendons and
shoulder muscles. A doctor or physical therapist can help or
If you are recovering from tendinitis, continue to perform range-of-motion exercises
to avoid "frozen shoulder" or
In sports-related activities, learn proper technique to prevent painful and
expensive shoulder problems.
 |
 |
