What are common causes of shoulder pain. How can you effectively treat shoulder discomfort at home. When should you seek medical attention for shoulder issues. What are the best prevention strategies for maintaining healthy shoulders.

Understanding Rotator Cuff Injuries and Irritations

The rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint, is a common source of discomfort for many individuals. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery, approximately two million people seek medical attention annually for rotator cuff-related issues. These problems typically fall into two main categories: tears and inflammation.

Rotator Cuff Impingement

Rotator cuff impingement occurs when there is irritation, inflammation, or compression of the tendons or bursa in the shoulder. This condition can result from acute injury or gradual wear and tear over time. Symptoms often include pain or stiffness when lifting the arm above the head or reaching behind the back.

Rotator Cuff Tears

A tear in the rotator cuff produces similar pain to an impingement but is often accompanied by weakness. Tears can be partial, where only a portion of the tendon separates from the bone, or full, resulting in complete detachment. While younger individuals can experience rotator cuff tears, the prevalence increases with age due to weakening of the tendon-bone interface.

Common causes of rotator cuff tears include:

• Falling on ice
• Being pulled by a dog on a leash
• Tripping and landing on the shoulder

In some cases, tears may occur without an apparent cause, with pain suddenly appearing during overhead movements.

Calcific Tendinitis

Calcific tendinitis is characterized by calcium deposits embedded within the rotator cuff tendons. While the exact cause remains unclear, some experts believe it may result from an abnormal healing process in the ligament. This condition often causes severe pain, particularly in the morning, and is more common in middle-aged and older adults, as well as individuals with diabetes.

Recognizing and Addressing Frozen Shoulder

Adhesive capsulitis, commonly known as frozen shoulder, is a condition caused by the thickening and stiffening of tissues surrounding the shoulder joint. It typically affects individuals between 40 and 60 years of age and is more prevalent in women and people with certain medical conditions.

Risk Factors for Frozen Shoulder

Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing frozen shoulder:

• Diabetes
• Thyroid disorders
• Cardiovascular disease
• Parkinson’s disease

Additionally, prolonged immobility of the shoulder, such as during recovery from surgery or injury, can contribute to the development of this condition.

Effective Home Treatments for Shoulder Pain

When experiencing mild shoulder pain, there are several steps you can take at home to alleviate discomfort:

1. Adjust your activities to avoid aggravating the shoulder
2. Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
3. Perform gentle stretching exercises to maintain range of motion
4. Apply ice or heat to the affected area for short periods
5. Practice good posture to reduce strain on the shoulder muscles

Can shoulder pain resolve on its own? In many cases, mild shoulder pain may improve with conservative measures and time. However, if the pain persists or worsens after a few weeks of home treatment, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Shoulder Issues

While minor shoulder discomfort can often be managed at home, certain situations warrant immediate medical attention:

• Sudden, severe pain following an injury
• Inability to move the arm or shoulder
• Visible deformity of the shoulder joint
• Swelling or bruising around the shoulder area
• Pain accompanied by fever or other systemic symptoms

How do doctors diagnose shoulder problems? Healthcare providers typically use a combination of physical examination, patient history, and imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound to accurately diagnose shoulder conditions.

Advanced Treatment Options for Persistent Shoulder Pain

When conservative measures fail to provide relief, healthcare professionals may recommend more advanced treatment options:

Physical Therapy

A structured physical therapy program can help improve shoulder strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Therapists may use a combination of exercises, manual techniques, and modalities such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation to address specific shoulder issues.

Corticosteroid Injections

For severe inflammation or pain, corticosteroid injections into the shoulder joint can provide significant relief. These injections deliver potent anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected area, reducing swelling and discomfort.

Surgical Interventions

In cases of severe rotator cuff tears, persistent frozen shoulder, or other complex shoulder conditions, surgery may be necessary. Surgical options can range from minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures to more extensive open surgeries, depending on the specific condition and its severity.

Preventing Shoulder Injuries and Maintaining Shoulder Health

Taking proactive steps to maintain shoulder health can help prevent injuries and reduce the risk of developing chronic shoulder problems:

• Practice proper posture when sitting, standing, and sleeping
• Incorporate shoulder-strengthening exercises into your fitness routine
• Warm up adequately before engaging in physical activities
• Use proper technique when lifting heavy objects
• Take regular breaks and stretch during repetitive activities
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on the shoulder joints

How often should you perform shoulder exercises? Aim to incorporate shoulder-specific exercises into your routine 2-3 times per week, allowing for adequate rest between sessions to prevent overuse injuries.

Understanding the Connection Between Shoulder and Neck Pain

In some cases, shoulder pain may actually originate from problems in the neck or upper back. This phenomenon, known as referred pain, can make it challenging to pinpoint the true source of discomfort.

Common Neck Conditions That Can Cause Shoulder Pain

• Cervical spondylosis (arthritis of the neck)
• Herniated or bulging discs in the cervical spine
• Pinched nerves in the neck
• Muscle strains or sprains in the upper back and neck area

How can you differentiate between shoulder and neck-related pain? Pay attention to associated symptoms such as numbness or tingling in the arms, headaches, or pain that worsens with neck movements. These may indicate a neck-related issue rather than a primary shoulder problem.

Exploring Alternative Therapies for Shoulder Pain Management

In addition to conventional treatments, some individuals find relief from shoulder pain through alternative therapies:

Acupuncture

This traditional Chinese medicine technique involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to alleviate pain and promote healing. Some studies suggest acupuncture may be effective in reducing shoulder pain and improving function.

Massage Therapy

Therapeutic massage can help relax tense muscles, improve circulation, and reduce pain in the shoulder area. Different massage techniques may be employed depending on the specific shoulder condition and individual needs.

Yoga and Tai Chi

These mind-body practices incorporate gentle movements and stretches that can improve flexibility, strength, and body awareness. Regular practice may help alleviate shoulder tension and prevent future injuries.

Are alternative therapies effective for all types of shoulder pain? While some individuals experience significant relief with alternative therapies, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any new treatment regimen, especially for severe or chronic shoulder conditions.

The Impact of Lifestyle Factors on Shoulder Health

Various lifestyle factors can influence the health and function of your shoulders:

Occupational Hazards

Certain professions that involve repetitive overhead movements, heavy lifting, or prolonged periods of computer use can increase the risk of shoulder problems. Implementing ergonomic solutions and taking regular breaks can help mitigate these risks.

Sleep Habits

Your sleeping position and pillow choice can significantly impact shoulder health. Sleeping on your side with a supportive pillow can help maintain proper alignment and reduce strain on the shoulder joints.

Stress and Emotional Well-being

Chronic stress can lead to muscle tension and poor posture, which may contribute to shoulder pain. Incorporating stress-reduction techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises can benefit overall musculoskeletal health.

Nutrition and Hydration

A balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods and adequate hydration can support joint health and tissue repair. Consider incorporating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and collagen-supporting nutrients.

How does dehydration affect shoulder health? Proper hydration is essential for maintaining the synovial fluid that lubricates joints and cushions the shoulder during movement. Inadequate fluid intake can lead to increased friction and potential tissue damage.

By understanding the various factors that contribute to shoulder health and implementing appropriate preventive measures, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing chronic shoulder problems. Regular exercise, proper body mechanics, and timely attention to minor discomfort can go a long way in maintaining healthy, pain-free shoulders throughout life.

Ouch! Shoulder pain and how to treat it

 Image: © vitapix/Getty Images

You probably don’t think about your shoulders much, until you suddenly experience pain in one of them. Shoulder pain can make a simple act — brushing and drying your hair, reaching behind your back to fasten a bra, or grabbing something overhead — seem like a monumental task.

As you age, you’re more likely to experience shoulder pain from a variety of common conditions. The pain can come on gradually or abruptly, and it may range from mild to excruciating.

Below are some of the most common conditions you may encounter, and some tips for how to address them.

Rotator cuff injuries and irritations

Your rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that help tether your shoulder into the socket and allow you to move it in a circular motion. Some two million people visit a doctor each year for rotator cuff–related issues, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery (AAOS). Most problems with the rotator cuff fall into two categories: tears or inflammation. Suspect a rotator cuff problem if you have pain or stiffness in your shoulder when you lift your arm above your head to brush your hair or when you reach behind your back. You won’t be able to do a lot of things you want to do, such as put dishes in an upper cabinet, play tennis, or do garden pruning.

Rotator cuff impingement. A rotator cuff impingement happens when there is irritation, inflammation, or compression of the tendons or bursa (the fluid-filled sac that sits between bones) in the shoulder. An impingement can be caused by an injury, but it can also just result from general wear and tear from daily life.

Rotator cuff tears. A tear in the rotator cuff will produce pain that is similar to an impingement but has one additional differentiating feature. If the pain is associated with weakness, it is likely caused by a tear, and if you just have pain, it may only be a rotator cuff impingement.

A tear can be partial, whereby only part of the tendon is ripped away from the bone it is attached to. Or there can be a full tear, causing the tendon to completely separate from the bone. Although younger people can have rotator cuff tears, they become more common as people age, possibly because the interface between the tendon and the bone weakens and becomes more susceptible to injury. The prevalence rises with each decade of life.

Compared with impingement, a tear is more likely to be caused by an injury. Common causes include falling on the ice, getting pulled by a dog on a leash, or tripping and landing on your shoulder. In other cases, problems crop up seemingly without cause. You might suddenly notice pain when lifting something over your head.

If you suspect a tear or are experiencing sudden pain from an injury, see a doctor right away, because you may need surgery to fix the problem. But if you aren’t experiencing weakness and the pain is not severe, rest and anti-inflammatory medications may be enough to ease your discomfort.

Calcific tendinitis. With calcific tendinitis, calcium deposits get embedded within the rotator cuff tendons. While it’s unclear exactly what causes these deposits to form, some experts believe they may result from a healing process in the ligament gone awry. The condition can cause severe pain that often starts in the morning. It’s more common in middle-aged and older adults and those who have diabetes.

Treatment is aimed at relieving pain and preserving range of motion of the shoulder. Options include anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, and physical therapy. If the pain is severe or persistent, your doctor may suggest surgery to remove the deposits.

Adhesive capsulitis. Commonly referred to as frozen shoulder, adhesive capsulitis is caused by a thickening and stiffening of the tissues around the shoulder joint. It typically develops in people ages 40 to 60. Frozen shoulder is more common in women than in men and in people with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, or thyroid disorders.

Frozen shoulder can occur after a rotator cuff impingement, a tendon tear, or even minor injury. But why some people go on to develop a frozen shoulder is not clear. Someone with shoulder pain may hesitate to move the arm as a result of those problems, which then leads to additional pain and stiffness. As a result, it may become virtually impossible to move the shoulder for weeks or months. The problem often goes away after a period of time — but that can take up to three years, according to the AAOS. Physical therapy is sometimes recommended for frozen shoulder. Other interventions include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroid injections, or, in some cases, surgery. But in most cases, it responds well to nonoperative treatment.

Osteoarthritis. When people think of osteoarthritis, they may think of the knee and the hip, which are common sites for arthritis pain. But while osteoarthritis affects the shoulder less often, it’s not uncommon. The condition develops when cartilage cushions between the bones in the shoulder erode, causing the bones to rub against one another. There are numerous treatments for osteoarthritis, including rest, modifications to activities, anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroid injections, and surgery in some cases.

While you may be tempted to stop moving when you experience pain from osteoarthritis, doing so can actually make the problem worse because it allows the muscles to stiffen and shorten. This may ultimately make it even harder for you to move the way you want to.

Performing simple stretches two to three days a week (see “Simple shoulder stretch exercises”) can help keep your muscles flexible and reduce pain, provided your doctor approves.

12 Common Shoulder Problems & How To Treat Them

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

Medically Reviewed by Poonam Sachdev on May 08, 2023

• What Are the Symptoms of a Shoulder Injury?
• What Are Shoulder Pain Causes and Risk Factors?
• How Is Shoulder Pain Diagnosed?
• What Are Shoulder Pain Treatments and Home Remedies?

Your shoulders are the joints where your upper-arm bones (humerus), shoulder blades (scapula), and collarbone (clavicle) meet. The humerus fits into the rounded socket of the scapula on each side of your body. Each shoulder is held in place by a group of four muscles and tendons, called a rotator cuff, which covers and protects the humerus and lets you raise and move your arm.

Shoulder pain has many causes.

Pain in your shoulder can have many causes. You might injure it in a fall or accident, or you could have overdone a chore like painting. Sometimes shoulder pain comes from a condition like arthritis. It can even stem from problems in other parts of your body, which is called referred pain.

The shoulder’s ball-and-socket joint gives you great range of motion, but it comes at the expense of stability. The shoulder joint gets dislocated more often than any other joint in the body. And repeated stress from the way you use your shoulders on the job or playing sports can lead to tears and other injuries.

Ask yourself some questions to help you decide if you have a shoulder injury:

• Can you move your arm normally, or is your shoulder too stiff or painful?
• Do you feel like your shoulder could pop out of the socket?
• Is your shoulder strong enough for things you normally do?

You can treat some shoulder injuries at home for a few days with rest and ice. You can bandage it to hold it in place if necessary, and elevate it above the heart. But some injuries need professional help. Here are signs that you need to see a doctor right away:

• Your shoulder joint looks deformed.
• You can’t use your shoulder at all.
• The pain is intense.
• The shoulder is swelling suddenly.
• Your arm or hand is weak or numb.

Common shoulder injuries:

• Dislocation. If your shoulder is pulled back too hard or rotated too far, the top of your arm might pop out of its socket. You will feel pain and weakness in your shoulder. You may also have swelling, numbness and bruising.
• Separation. This injury affects the joint where your collarbone and shoulder blade come together. It’s called the acromioclavicular (AC) joint. A fall or hard blow tears the ligaments holding it together. If your collarbone gets pushed out of place, you’ll have a bump on top of your shoulder.
• Fracture. A bone can break or crack if you fall or take a hard hit. The most common breaks are to the clavicle (collarbone) and the humerus (arm bone closest to your shoulder). You’ll have a lot of pain and it may bruise. If your collarbone is broken, your shoulder can sag and you might not be able to lift your arm.
• Cartilage tear. You can injure the cartilage (the rubbery padding) that goes around the rim of your shoulder joint. It can happen after doing the same motion over and over. You can also hurt it in a fall or anytime your shoulder absorbs a lot of force. With this type of injury, you might feel pain when you reach over your head, and your shoulder could seem weak. It might also feel like it’s catching, locking, or grinding.
• Rotator cuff tear. Your rotator cuff is the group of muscles and tendons in your shoulder that hold your arm in place and let you lift your arm overhead. You can damage it through overuse or in a fall. It also begins to show wear and tear as you age. Your shoulder may hurt at night and when you try to lift things. You might hear a crackling sound when you move it.
• Frozen shoulder. This condition limits how much your joint will move. Abnormal bands of tissue (adhesions) build up in the joint and keep your shoulder from moving freely. Your shoulder might “freeze” because pain or surgery have made you use it less, allowing the adhesions to build up.
• Impingement. This happens when the tendons of the rotator cuff get pinched in the bones of the shoulder. It can cause swelling and pain. If you lift your arms over your head a lot, it can set this off.
• Bursitis. The bursa (a fluid-filled sac that cushions in your joint) can get swollen and irritated if you repeat the same motions over and over again. But it can also be caused by a fall or another injury. If you have bursitis, you may notice the pain most when you move your shoulder.

Other causes of shoulder pain:

• Osteoarthritis. Also called degenerative joint disease, this is the most common form of arthritis. It can affect any joint, including your shoulders. The cartilage between bones breaks down, and they rub together. This can cause pain and stiffness.
• Rheumatoid arthritis. This is a disease that causes your body’s immune system to attack the protective lining in your joints. It can also cause pain and stiffness in your shoulders.
• Referred pain. Sometimes your shoulders hurt when there’s nothing wrong with them. This can be a sign of trouble with your gallbladder, liver, or another organ.
• Heart attack. If your shoulder hurts and you have trouble breathing or your chest feels tight, you might need emergency medical help right away.
• Tendinitis. This is when the tendons that make up your rotator cuff get inflamed. It can happen slowly over time or as the result of a fall or a direct hit to your shoulder.
• Bone spurs. Also known as “osteophytes,” these small, smooth pieces of bone rub up against and wear on your rotator cuff and keep your shoulder from moving the way it should. They can lead to tendinitis or a rotator cuff tear.

Your doctor will start with a physical exam to check for any structural problems and rule out anything that might involve your spine or neck.

Next, they’ll test your range of motion to see how strong and flexible your shoulder is. That will involve moving your arms in various ways, like above your head, across your body, or behind you, and rotating it 90 or 180 degrees.

Your doctor also might recommend one or more imaging tests to get a closer look:

• X-rays. These can help your doctor find bone spurs, arthritis, and other bone-related causes of your shoulder pain. Your doctor may also recommend an arthrogram, which involves a shot of dye to make the details show up more clearly.
• MRI scan. This uses radio waves and a powerful magnet to make detailed images of your shoulder.
• CT scan. This is a series of X-rays taken from different angles. When they’re put together, they can give your doctor a better look at what’s happening with your shoulder.
• Electromyography (EMG). This measures the electrical activity in your muscles to see if there are any problems with your nerves.
• Arthroscopy. This is a surgical procedure that lets a tiny fiber-optic camera show your doctor high-definition images of your shoulder. In some cases, your doctor may also be able to treat the problem during the procedure.

For dislocations, separations, and fractures, you need a doctor’s help to get your shoulder back in the right position and then a sling to hold it in place while it heals.

For many other issues, your doctor may suggest rest, heat or ice, and a medicine like aspirin or  ibuprofen to reduce the pain and swelling.

If your shoulder doesn’t improve after these first steps, your doctor may try injecting a corticosteroid (an anti-inflammatory medicine) straight into the joint to relieve swelling and pain.

Sometimes cartilage tears, rotator cuff tears, and frozen shoulder don’t improve with rest and medicine. Your doctor may recommend surgery.

With any problem in your shoulder, your treatment plan will probably include exercises to help you stretch and strengthen the joint, and to improve your range of motion.

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Pain in the shoulder joint of the right or left hand: causes and treatment

Symptoms of pain in the shoulder

Pain in the shoulder can be different depending on its cause.

Shoulder pain may be felt all the time or only occur when the shoulder is moved. Sometimes it doesn’t last long. If the pain does not go away, you should consult a doctor; he will examine and prescribe treatment.

If the discomfort worsens gradually and you cannot sleep on the side of the affected shoulder, it may be tendinitis or bursitis. With tendinitis, tendons become inflamed, with bursitis, too much fluid accumulates in the bag of the shoulder joint.

If you feel pain and have difficulty moving your shoulder, it may be called “frozen shoulder”.

How does shoulder pain affect us?

Shoulder joints provide freedom to lift and move the arms. But with pain in the shoulder, it becomes difficult even to comb your hair and get dressed. Shoulder pain is uncomfortable when we play sports, want to lift a heavy box or reach the top shelf of a closet.

Ease the pain

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that connects the humerus to the shoulder blade. Tendons stabilize the shoulder and muscles provide rotation in the joint. *

83% of people suffering from pain have experienced shoulder pain**

Relieve Pain

* Rotator Cuff (Human Anatomy) Picture, Function, Location. 2016. Rotator Cuff (Human Anatomy): Picture, Function, Location. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/picture-of-the-rotator-cuff (Retrieved 03/26/2019)
** According to the Global Pain Index 2018, 83% of people with pain have experienced shoulder pain

Why does shoulder pain occur?

Shoulder pain is due to a variety of causes, including inflammation of the tendons (bursitis and tendinitis), tendon rupture, and osteoarthritis.

Bursitis, tendonitis and tendon ruptures

Shoulder pain may be due to bursitis or tendinitis. With bursitis, the bag that separates the joint from the surrounding soft tissues becomes inflamed. Under the influence of loads, the tendons can gradually become inflamed; this condition is called tendinitis. With injuries and increased loads, the tendons are damaged, resulting in pain. Shoulder pain is more common in older people because the tendons weaken with age.

Diseases associated with pain in the shoulder

Impingement syndrome of the shoulder joint is a condition in which the tendons of the muscle are pressed against the overlying bone and constantly rub against it when moving, resulting in pain. Some people also suffer from frozen shoulder syndrome, a condition in which the elastic tissues surrounding the shoulder joint become inflamed. A person has pain and stiffness of movements in the shoulder joint.

Treatment

If pain in the shoulder occurs frequently, it is not necessary to postpone a visit to the doctor, and in case of severe pain and deterioration of health, it is necessary to do so immediately. The doctor will examine your shoulder for abnormalities, swelling, deformity and tenderness, as well as evaluate the range of motion in the shoulder joint and muscle strength. If necessary, the doctor will refer you to additional examinations (for example, x-rays) and prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve inflammation. To speed up recovery, the doctor may prescribe physiotherapy exercises and physiotherapy. OTC topical or internal pain medications, hot or cold compresses can also help relieve shoulder pain.0003

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Shoulder pain – causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment of diseases of the shoulder joint

Common injuries and diseases of the shoulder joint

Diagnostics

Methods of treatment of pain in the shoulder joint

Pain in the shoulder joints of the hands is one of the most common reasons for patients to visit an orthopedic traumatologist. They can be caused by various shoulder injuries (for example, those received when falling, twisting the arm, lifting weight from an uncomfortable position), and other factors (hypothermia, overexertion, repeated hand movements of the same type). In some cases, shoulder pain is a manifestation of serious diseases (for example, hernia of the cervical spine, autoimmune pathologies, benign and malignant neoplasms).

Pain in the shoulder joint is caused by damage to the cartilage of the head of the shoulder and the glenoid cavity, capsule, and soft tissues. Pain can be sharp, bursting, pulling, dull. The pain appears periodically or persists constantly, increases with movement, at a certain time of the day, depends on weather conditions.

Common injuries and diseases of the shoulder joint

Dislocation of the joint can occur if a person receives a strong blow to the shoulder or falls on a straightened arm. Such an injury is characterized by sharp pain, deformity of the shoulder joint, the appearance of a depression at the site of the head of the shoulder. At the same time, it is impossible to move the shoulder, and the acute pain does not go away until the joint is repositioned. The doctor adjusts the shoulder under general anesthesia or under local anesthesia.

Fractures occur with a strong blow, falling on the shoulder. With such an injury, a person feels severe pain, when trying to move, a crunch can be heard, swelling and pathological mobility appear. To prevent pain from getting worse, it is necessary to support the affected arm or fix it to limit movement.

Partial and complete ruptures of muscles and tendons present with acute pain that radiates to the neck or arm. When you raise your arm, the pain in your shoulder may get worse. Also, pain sensations can become more intense when rotating the hand, moving it to the side. With a complete rupture, the victim cannot move his arm.

Tendinitis (inflammation of the tendon sheaths) and bursitis (inflammation of the periarticular mucous bags) develop under the influence of various factors. The most common causes of such diseases include injuries, hypothermia, overexertion, which occur as a result of repetitive monotonous movements (for example, when working as a painter) or incorrect hand position during work (usually at a computer). Bursitis and tendinitis can develop secondarily as a manifestation of the underlying disease (usually systemic). At an early stage of such diseases, only minor discomfort is observed, which appears at the peak of the load. As the pathological process progresses, aching or pulling pain in the shoulder occurs during movement, even if the load on it is insignificant. Pain can also appear at rest, at night, a crunch is possible during movements.

In patients with adhesive capsulitis (an inflammatory disease of the joint capsule), pain usually occurs spontaneously, without any obvious external cause. Discomfort gradually increases, more often at night, if a person lies on a sore shoulder. Severe pain is permanent, prevents any movement.

Benign neoplasms develop slowly, for a long time they manifest mild symptoms. They are characterized by low-intensity pain of a local nature, which does not change its severity for a long time.

Pain in the shoulder of the right or left arm can also be caused by neurological causes, most often problems in the cervical region. In this case, the characteristic symptoms are the so-called “lumbago”, which are felt throughout the arm, pain in the shoulder joint when the arm is abducted, numbness and weakness in the fingers.

Diagnosis

To make an accurate diagnosis, an orthopedic traumatologist interviews the patient in detail to find out complaints, establish all the symptoms, the dynamics of their development, and dependence on various factors.

After that, the doctor conducts a complete examination and, based on the results, chooses a program for additional examination.

Ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, laboratory and invasive studies can be used to accurately diagnose shoulder pain.

Shoulder pain management

The orthopedic surgeon chooses the tactics of treatment depending on the diagnosis. In case of injuries, no independent actions should be taken before consulting a doctor and examining. Attempts to reduce the joint, jerks by the hand, massage, active movements of the limb can lead to aggravation of the injury and a significant increase in the duration of treatment.

To eliminate the causes of pain, physiotherapeutic procedures (for example, shock wave, laser and ultrasound therapy), drug treatment are used. In some cases, surgical treatment is indicated, most often arthroscopy (minimally invasive surgery). It is important for the patient at all stages of treatment to strictly follow all the recommendations of the doctor, including the activity regimen.

Bruises, partial injuries of ligaments and tendons are treated conservatively. Usually, for patients with such injuries, the doctor prescribes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs orally and locally, a course of physiotherapy, and recommends functional rest. For a complete recovery in most cases, 3-4 weeks are enough.

For fractures, the doctor chooses the treatment method after examination, depending on the location of the fracture and the degree of displacement. If the displacement is small or absent, conservative treatment is sufficient. Surgical treatment (reposition, osteosynthesis using metal fixators) is indicated for patients with a fracture with a pronounced displacement.

Partial and complete ruptures of muscles and tendons require surgical treatment (arthroscopy, tendon suture). It is important to perform surgery as soon as possible to avoid complications.

Adhesive capsulitis should be treated as early as possible, as long-term immobilization of the joint can lead to contracture (scar tightening of the tendons).

In the event of discomfort in the shoulder area, the effectiveness of treatment depends on the timeliness of its initiation. If you experience pain in this area, you should not postpone a visit to the doctor.

Contact our clinic to get rid of pain and regain your freedom of movement.

The author of the article:

Starochkin Konstantin Anatolyevich

traumatologist-orthopedist, surgeon

work experience 18 years

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