Shoulder Pain
The shoulder is a very important part of our body. It provides us with a variable and flexible range of movements. While using the shoulder for multi-purposes, slight ill-treatment can lead to shoulder pain. Shoulder pain is very recurrent. Every form of shoulder pain has different causes and requires a different period for healing.
Some causes require simple medication and can be rectified within a few weeks. However, some are acute and require you to see our doctors for diagnosis and proper identification of the cause if the problem persists for long. Shoulder pain is characterized by severe pain in shoulder joints, limited movement, and weakness in the shoulder along with itching and penetrating pain.
Physical therapy, chiropractic treatment, and acupuncture are common treatments for shoulder pain. Interventional pain management exercises such as joint injection may be required if symptoms persist. In case of severe shoulder injuries, the patient may require Shoulder surgery such as shoulder arthroscopy or shoulder replacement.
Causes:
Causes of shoulder pain vary from simple acts to terrible causes such as an injury due to an accident and so on. Following is a list of some of many causes:
- Lifting something haphazardly
- Rheumatoid arthritis (inflammatory joint disease)
- Participating in sports
- Injury due to falling
With the growing age, gradual age-specific changes can be a common cause of shoulder pain. Such problems may include Osteomalacia– the softness of bones due to deficiency of vitamin D, and osteoporosis- bones become brittle and lose mass, cartilage breakage can be the reason.
Shoulder Pain Diagnosis
If you have shoulder pain, our doctor will examine you to rule out any structural problems with your spine or neck.
To determine how flexible and strong your shoulder is, we will test its range of motion. Your arms will have to be moved in a variety of ways, such as above your head, across your body, or behind you, as well as rotated 90 or 180 degrees.
For a closer look, your doctor may also recommend the following imaging tests:
- X-rays. Our doctor may use these to detect bone spurs, arthritis, or other causes of shoulder pain which are connected to the bone. Alternatively, your doctor may suggest an arthrogram, which uses dye to improve visibility.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. An image of your shoulder is taken utilizing a powerful magnet and radio waves.
- Computed tomography (CT). From this angle, you can see a series of X-rays. These images can provide our doctor with a better perspective on how your shoulder is doing.
- (EMG). Nerve problems are detected by measuring electrical activity in your muscles.
- The goal of this procedure is to show our doctor high-definition imaging of your shoulder using a tiny fiber-optic camera. During the operation, your doctor will be able to treat the condition.
Treatment:
Treatment of shoulder pain includes ‘conservative’ treatment which is an approach to cure the problem without surgical instruments. These include:
- Physical therapy is the treatment of diseases including shoulder pain through physical methods such as massage, exercise, and heat treatment. It fixes problems for instance stiffness and weaknesses which are leading causes of shoulder pain. Physiotherapy also includes modifying and improving the habits concerned with sports, mundane life, and social activities to get the victim back to his normal life.
- Medications is to relieve the pain and lower inflammation, Nonsteroidal and anti-inflammatory medications are helpful other drugs include aspirin, naproxen, brufen, and paracetamol. These will help to relieve pain on a short-term basis. But in case, you have other ailments like blood pressure, cardiac disorders, or kidney problems, you should consult with our physicians before taking any of these medicines. Medication is not a permanent and lifetime solution for your shoulder pain treatment. If the problem persists, patients need to take their medication on another level.
If any of the above methods are not working, doctors may suggest interventional treatments such as joint injection and shoulder surgery.
- Joint injection- after medication, joint injection or corticosteroid injection is applied. It can be done according to the instructions of the physician. It is important to note that every treatment has some side effects. It can be the best option for some people. While it may lead to serious complications in others.
In the case of a frozen shoulder, hydrodilatation is suggested. This is made up of saline and steroid in the joint. It is recommended in case of stiffness and pain in the shoulder due to scar tissue formation. Frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis is a condition when there is pain and loss of motion in the shoulder joint.
- frozen shoulder surgery– shoulder surgery includes shoulder arthroscopy or shoulder replaced can be considered the next step, especially if the pain is caused by injuries.
Exercise:
Rotator Cuff strengthening is very important for strong shoulder development. The shoulder is an extremely important joint as it provides us with 360 degrees of movement. We cannot even perform mundane and household chores without strong joints. We can face difficulties in performing activities like driving, washing, hanging up clothes, and playing if we do not take proper care of our shoulders. Following exercises can help to maintain strong muscles:
- upper trapezii stretch
- Posterior stretching exercise
- Overhead stretch
- Child’s pose
Prevention of Shoulder Pain
Since you use your shoulders so often – both at work and play – it’s important to protect them.
- Your desk chair should provide adequate back support and encourage good posture if you work at it.
- Work out your legs and keep your back straight if you must lift heavy objects. You can use your legs for power while facing what you’re lifting.
- Use a ladder or stool when grabbing over your head something heavy.
- Ask your doctor how you can strengthen the muscles around your shoulder and keep them flexible with a conditioning program.
What to do if your shoulder hurts
You may not always be able to identify the cause of shoulder pain. Pain can originate in another part of your body, then radiate to your shoulder. This can happen with certain neck conditions, such as arthritis and disc herniations.
As a rule, if you have pain in your shoulder or if you know you’ve been injured, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. In general, mild shoulder pain can be managed by making alterations to your activities, performing mild stretches, and taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, you should see our shoulder pain doctor in NJ if the pain doesn’t go away.
If you have above symptoms and conditions, WeCare Medical Specialty Group can help you. We have five offices across Northern Jersey. Please call our office at (973)996-2990 or book an appointment online immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a doctor for shoulder pain?
If your shoulder pain is severe, lasts for more than a few days, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever or difficulty breathing, you should seek medical attention immediately. In general, it's a good idea to see a doctor if your shoulder pain is interfering with your daily activities or is not improving with rest and self-care.
How is shoulder pain diagnosed?
Diagnosing shoulder pain typically involves a physical exam, a review of your medical history, and diagnostic imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans. Our orthopedic specialists will work with you to determine the underlying cause of your shoulder pain and develop a personalized treatment plan to help relieve your symptoms.
What treatments are available for shoulder pain?
Treatments for shoulder pain may include physical therapy, medications, corticosteroid injections, and in some cases, surgery. Our orthopedic specialists will work with you to determine the best course of treatment based on your individual needs and goals.
How can I prevent shoulder pain?
Preventing shoulder pain involves protecting your shoulders from injury and strain. This may include using proper lifting techniques, maintaining good posture, stretching before exercise, and avoiding activities that strain your shoulders excessively. Our orthopedic specialists can guide how to prevent shoulder pain and maintain good shoulder health.
