Symptom – Are you experiencing Pain in Shoulder(s)?
If you experience pain in your shoulder when performing certain movements, it could be caused by a variety of factors, including muscle strain, joint dysfunction, or injury. Some common causes of shoulder pain that may be exacerbated by certain movements include:
- Strains or sprains: Overuse or sudden, excessive strain on the muscles and ligaments supporting the shoulder joint can cause pain and inflammation. This pain may be worse when you lift your arm or perform certain activities.
- Rotator cuff injuries: The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that helps to move and stabilize the shoulder joint. Injuries to these muscles and tendons can cause pain, weakness, and difficulty moving the arm. This pain may be worse when you lift your arm or perform certain activities.
- Bursitis and tendinitis: Bursitis is inflammation of the bursae, which are small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles in the shoulder. Tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon. Both conditions can cause shoulder pain and difficulty moving the arm, and the pain may be worse when you lift your arm or perform certain activities.
- Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving the shoulder joint. This pain may be worse when you perform certain activities or movements that put pressure on the joint.
- Fractures: A fracture is a break in a bone. Fractures can occur in the shoulder blade, collarbone, or upper arm bone and can cause severe pain and difficulty moving the arm. This pain may be worse when you lift your arm or perform certain activities.
If you are experiencing shoulder pain that is exacerbated by certain movements, it is important to see a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Treatment options may include rest, physical therapy, medications, or surgery, depending on the cause of the pain.
What causes Pain in Shoulder(s)?
There are many potential causes of shoulder pain, including:
- Musculoskeletal injuries: Strains or sprains, rotator cuff injuries, bursitis, tendinitis, and fractures can all cause shoulder pain.
- Degenerative joint conditions: Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other degenerative joint conditions can cause pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint.
- Poor posture: Poor postures, such as slouching or hunching, can put extra strain on the muscles and joints of the shoulder and cause pain.
- Overuse: Repetitive use or overuse of the shoulder joint can lead to muscle strain and other injuries.
- Frozen shoulder: Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition in which the shoulder joint becomes stiff and painful. It is often caused by inactivity or immobility of the shoulder joint due to injury or surgery.
- Pinched nerves: Nerves that are pinched or compressed in the shoulder or neck can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the shoulder.
- Heart attack: Shoulder pain can sometimes be a sign of a heart attack, particularly if it is accompanied by shortness of breath, chest pain, and nausea.
If you are experiencing shoulder pain, it is important to see a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Treatment options will depend on the underlying cause of the pain.
How to treat your Pain in Shoulder(s)?
The treatment of shoulder pain will depend on the underlying cause of the pain. Some common treatment options include:
- Rest: Resting the shoulder joint and avoiding activities that exacerbate the pain can allow the muscles and ligaments to heal.
- Ice: Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and numb the pain.
- Heat: Applying heat to the affected area can help relax tight muscles and increase blood flow to the joint.
- Over-the-counter pain medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
- Physical therapy: A physical therapist can help you perform exercises to strengthen the muscles supporting the shoulder joint and improve the range of motion.
- Steroid injections: If the shoulder pain is severe or persistent, a healthcare provider may recommend a corticosteroid injection to help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged muscles, tendons, or ligaments, or to remove bone spurs or other tissue that is causing pain.
It is important to see a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Do not try to diagnose or treat shoulder pain on your own, as self-treatment could potentially worsen the condition.
