There are several joints in our body, such as the shoulder, knees, wrists, where the tendons and muscles work together. However, when something goes wrong with those tendons and muscles, you can feel the pain in your joints.
Shoulder pain is a common problem among people. Those who suffer from shoulder pain also complain of an issue with their neck. Some people experience pain only in the shoulders, while others may experience pain in both areas. In this case, you need to go for the medication to avoid further inflammation.
The Cause Behind Shoulder Pain
The shoulder is responsible for an extensive range of movement. The mobile joint is based on a ball and socket joint, and there could be various reasons behind pain occurring in the region. Some of the most common reasons behind shoulder pain could be overexertion and overuse of the muscle. Other possible reasons can be shoulder joint instability and dislocation in the bone. Frozen shoulder, Tendon inflammation, arthritis, and fracture are other possible reasons. Some of the less common causes are infection and nerve-related problems.
When To Seek Medical Help
In case you feel a complete inability to move your shoulder, tenderness around the joint, and lasting bruising, pain, and heat, you should call your doctor immediately. Sometimes, sudden shoulder pain could be a sign of a heart attack. Thus, if you feel any pain in the chest, excessive sweating, dizziness, and pain in the neck or jaw, along with shoulder pain, you need to get immediate medical assistance. So, if you suffer from unbearable shoulder pain, it is best to consult your doctor. Your doctor can suggest some medicine for the same or he or she can suggest you to go for physiotherapy.
A Comprehensive Examination
Those suffering from shoulder need to undergo a comprehensive examination to find out the causes of the shoulder pain. The doctor makes a physical examination to check for tender areas, and he or she can find out the problems like, deformity, abnormalities, swelling, or any muscle weakness. He will observe and study the range of motion and strength of the shoulder. These tests may include X-rays, Magnetic resonance imaging, Computed tomography, and Electrical studies. These tests provide a better picture of the shoulder joint and the soft tissues that surround the shoulder joint. Electrical studies can assess the nerve function, while the CT scan produces a detailed view of the shoulder area’s bones. Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure used by the doctor to look inside the joint with a fibre-optic camera.
Treatment For Shoulder Pain
The treatment options rely on the severity and the cause behind the pain. Minor shoulder pains can be treated at home and you can use an ice bag to get instant relief. Sometimes, one can give proper rest to the shoulder and avoid any movements so that it can return to its normal stage.
Based on the condition, the medical expert may recommend physical therapy or surgery, and you may need to use a sling. Your doctor may recommend anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce the pain and swelling. Pain relievers and muscle relaxers may also be given based on the source of pain. Those with arthritis of the shoulder need to be given local corticosteroid injections as shoulder pain relief medication. However, surgical measures may be essential if there is any issue in the spinal cord.
Regular shoulder exercises can stretch and strengthen the shoulder muscles and tendons. Exercises can help with both neck and shoulder pain. Consult your physical therapist to learn about those shoulder pain exercises and how to do them correctly. If you exercise daily for at least 15 minutes, you can certainly keep those shoulder pains away.