Do you ever feel pain or discomfort in your shoulder when you’re reaching, lifting, playing sports, exercising or doing any number of everyday activities? If so, you are not alone. Shoulder pain is a very common problem that affects many people, and it can be incredibly frustrating if it persists. But don’t worry; there are steps you can take to help ease the pain and even prevent further episodes from occurring in the future. In this blog post, we will discuss effective strategies for treating and managing shoulder pain so that you can get back to doing the things you love—pain-free!
As a general rule, chiropractic therapy is favoured among individuals suffering from shoulder pain due to its high success rate and non-invasive nature. Instead of relying on medication, chiropractors focus on multiple aspects of the body to speed up the healing process, making it a preferred method of treatment.
What Is Shoulder Pain and What Are the Symptoms?
Shoulder pain is a common complaint that can be caused by a variety of conditions, such as rotator cuff tears, tendinitis, bursitis, fractures or dislocation. Symptoms may range from a mild ache to severe pain and difficulty moving the arm. Signs and symptoms of shoulder pain include:
• Aching or throbbing in the shoulder joint
• Difficulty moving the arm
• Tenderness when touching around the joint
• Swelling in the area surrounding the joint
• Pain that radiates down your arm towards your elbow or hand
• Loss of strength or difficulty with everyday tasks like brushing your hair or reaching for items above your head.
If left untreated, shoulder pain can become chronic and lead to further injury. It is important to seek medical advice if you are experiencing persistent or severe shoulder pain, as it could be a sign of an underlying condition such as a rotator cuff tear or fracture. Treatment options may include rest, physical therapy, medications, injections and surgery in more severe cases.
Living with shoulder pain can be very difficult and affect your quality of life. However, there are lifestyle changes that can help manage the symptoms and reduce the risk of further injury. These include exercising regularly, stretching before activity, avoiding activities that cause pain, using ice or heat treatments for relief and maintaining good posture while sitting, standing and sleeping.
Causes of Shoulder Pain
There are many different causes of shoulder pain, including:
• Rotator cuff tears or impingement: Damage to the rotator cuff—the muscles and tendons that attach the upper arm bone to the shoulder blade —can cause intense pain. This is usually caused by repetitive motions, overuse injuries or a sudden trauma like a fall.
• Bursitis: Inflammation in the bursae (small sacs filled with fluid) between the bones can cause pain when moving the joint. Bursitis is often caused by activities that require repeated overhead movements or lifting heavy objects.
• Tendinitis: Inflammation of one or more of the four tendons (tendons connect muscle to bone) in the shoulder can cause pain and limit the range of motion.
• Fractures: A broken collarbone, neck or shoulder blade can cause intense pain when moving the arm.
• Dislocation: When one of the bones that make up your shoulder joint moves out of place, it can lead to severe pain. This is often caused by a trauma such as a fall or an impact injury.
• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and other forms of arthritis can all affect the shoulder joint and cause painful inflammation.
Treatment Options for Shoulder Pain
Treatment for shoulder pain depends on the underlying cause. Mild discomfort may be relieved with rest, ice or heat treatments, over-the-counter medications and physical therapy exercises. More severe cases of shoulder pain may require additional treatment options such as cortisone injections or surgery.
If your shoulder pain is due to an injury or an underlying condition like arthritis, it is important to seek medical advice from a doctor or orthopedic specialist to determine the best course of action. Your physician will discuss available treatment options and create a plan that is tailored to your specific needs.
It is also important to make lifestyle changes to help manage symptoms and prevent further injury. These can include avoiding activities that aggravate the joint, exercising regularly, stretching before activity and maintaining good posture. If you are experiencing persistent or worsening shoulder pain, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
How to Prevent Shoulder Pain From Happening in the First Place
The best way to prevent shoulder pain is to practice proper technique when lifting, carrying or performing repetitive motions. Additionally, make sure that you are not overworking your joints by avoiding heavy lifting and only doing activities that are appropriate for your fitness level.
It’s also important to maintain good posture while sitting, standing and sleeping to reduce strain on the shoulders. Finally, if you do experience an injury or any type of discomfort in your shoulder joint, seek medical advice right away to prevent further damage.
By taking preventive measures and being aware of the symptoms of shoulder pain, you can help protect yourself from injury and ensure a healthy body and lifestyle. Taking care of your shoulder joint now can save you from future discomfort and costly medical treatments.