Discover Why You Are Struggling With Shoulder Pain
Persistent shoulder pain may be a sign of severe injury. However, people often ignore the pain, hoping it will disappear independently. But the damage may worsen and require extensive treatment.
Let's discuss the most common causes of shoulder pain and why professional help is instrumental in keeping these big joints in shape.
Common shoulder pain causes
People experience shoulder pain due to a variety of factors. There may be several causes in some cases, so pinpointing the source of the injury can be challenging.
Rotator cuff problems
Four muscles comprise the rotator cuff, which cushions the shoulder, providing balance to the joint to move freely.
However, its support is limited when the pockets of fluid around the joint become irritated. This condition is called bursitis, and it can severely restrict shoulder movement.
Continuous strain may overexert the shoulder muscles and inflame the supporting tendons. Tendinitis is followed by radiating pain from the shoulder area, swelling, and muscle weakness. The pain is persistent, even when resting.
Impingement syndrome
A condition that usually afflicts swimmers, shoulder impingement is challenging to bear when untreated. Incessant arm movements irritate the shoulder tendons. Therefore, they get more prominent and latch onto the nearby bone. While more common in athletes, activities that involve operating heavy equipment or lifting heavy objects also put people at risk of tendon injuries.
Dislocated shoulder
The shoulder joint is extremely unstable, as it sits in a relatively shallow socket. Unexpected movements easily throw it out of balance, causing the joint to fall out of the socket. The injury can take several months to heal and is more painful if the supporting soft tissue experiences tearing. If this happens, it's essential to seek medical help immediately. Attempting to put the shoulder back into place on your own can damage nerves and blood vessels.
Frozen shoulder
A frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, prevents people from performing the simplest of daily tasks. Opening a window or retrieving a cup from a higher shelf feels taxing. The shoulder tissue starts to grow until scar tissue covers it. It takes up more space as it spreads, making movement painful and slow. Without proper medical care, people may take up to two years to make a full recovery.
Pinched nerves
As our bones grow weaker, structures form around them to keep them functioning correctly. These supporting structures sometimes lean on the surrounding nerves, applying extra pressure. A pinched nerve only affects one shoulder, but it produces intense pain. Headaches and neck stiffness are other common symptoms of this condition.
Additional reasons
Illnesses such as arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid disorders also contribute to shoulder pain. As soon as there is any sharp pain, a healthcare worker should examine the shoulder to determine the cause of the symptoms. Over-the-counter medication is effective when people are overworked and exhausted, but it can mask the symptoms of other serious illnesses.
Contact the experts
Shoulder pain is often an indicator that the body suffers from an unaddressed issue. It rarely goes away on its own, and a delayed response can result in a long and painful recovery. As soon as any shoulder discomfort arises, contact a reputable healthcare provider. They'll immediately identify the root of the problem and come up with a plan to eliminate the pain and restore full mobility.
Liberated Rehabilitation is a mobile physical therapy service in the Phoenix metro area specializing in fully personalized in-home physical therapy. We provide tailored physical therapy in the home or work setting for faster, better recovery. Call (602)755-2276 to schedule an appointment.
