Shoulder Pain
What is Shoulder Pain?
Shoulder pain is a common complaint; there are many different causes of shoulder pain, which can originate from problems with the muscles, nerves and bones that make up the shoulder joint.
What are the causes for Shoulder Pain?
There are a variety of causes of shoulder pain. The main reason why you may experience shoulder pain is through an injury to the joint caused by lifting something improperly. Poor posture can also cause shoulder pain. A condition called frozen shoulder reduces the normal movement in the joint and can cause shoulder pain. The shoulder is made up of several joints between the arm bone, the collarbone, the shoulder blade and the rib cage. There can be instability and inflammation in any of these joints. Additionally you can get arthritis in the shoulder joint, which is condition where the cartilage around the joint is worn away and the pain comes from bone rubbing against bone.
What are the symptoms of Shoulder Pain?
Shoulder pain can present in a variety of ways. Usually you feel a dull ache, but the pain can also be sharp or tearing. You may experience pins and needles and numbness down your arm. You may also notice some swelling around the joint and there may be some redness. Often because of the pain and inflammation you will have a reduction in the range of movement in your shoulder.
How is Shoulder Pain treated?
The treatment for your shoulder pain will depend on what the exact cause of the pain is. If the pain is muscular in origin and it has been caused by inflammation, you will normally be told to take simple pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, alternatively you can apply ibuprofen gel directly where the pain is. Some people find applying an ice-pack or heat pack helps the pain. If the cause of your pain is more complex, you may need other medications such as steroids and perhaps even surgery. You may also need to go and see a physiotherapist who will teach you some exercises that will help strengthen the shoulder joint and should help the pain.
