When Shoulder Pain is More Than Just a Nuisance



Shoulder pain is a common complaint among adults, and it can range from mild to severe. Many people experience shoulder pain at some point in their lives, but for some, the pain can become chronic and debilitating. While most cases of shoulder pain are the result of an injury or strain, there are certain medical conditions that may be causing your discomfort. Knowing when shoulder pain is more than just a nuisance can help you get the treatment you need to find relief.

1) Bursitis: Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa sacs in your shoulder joint which helps to cushion and lubricate it. Common causes of bursitis include overuse or injury to the joint, arthritis, or infection. Symptoms include swelling and tenderness around the joint as well as a dull ache that worsens with movement or pressure on the affected area. If left untreated, bursitis can cause long-term damage to your shoulder joint and may require surgery for treatment.

2) Rotator Cuff Tear: The rotator cuff muscles help keep your arm in its socket and provide stability when performing activities such as lifting or throwing. A tear in one or more of these muscles can cause intense pain which worsens with activity and makes it difficult to move your arm normally. Surgery may be necessary if conservative treatments such as physical therapy do not improve symptoms after several weeks or months of rest and activity modification.

3) Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition caused by wear-and-tear on cartilage within joints such as shoulders due to age-related changes in bone structure or previous injuries that have not healed properly over time. Symptoms typically include stiffness and soreness in the affected area that worsens with use, as well as reduced range of motion when attempting certain activities like reaching overhead or behind you back without assistance from another person’s hand for support due to increased stiffness/pain levels experienced during these movements/activities . Treatment options vary depending on severity but may include medications (such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), physical therapy exercises designed specifically for strengthening weakened muscles around joints affected by osteoarthritis , injections directly into joints (such as corticosteroids), lifestyle changes (weight loss if overweight/obese), surgery (if other treatments fail).

4) Frozen Shoulder Syndrome: Also known as adhesive capsulitis , frozen shoulder syndrome occurs when scar tissue forms inside the capsule surrounding your shoulder joint making it difficult for you to move it normally without experiencing significant levels of discomfort/pain . Symptoms usually start off gradually worsening over time until reaching peak intensity after about 6 months before slowly improving over time although complete resolution sometimes takes up 2 years . Treatment includes stretching exercises , heat therapy , medications (such ibuprofen ) , physical therapy sessions specifically designed for frozen shoulders syndrome patients , steroid injections into affected areas directly around joints involved , manipulation under anesthesia (MUA)-a procedure where healthcare provider manipulates patient’s arm while they are under general anesthesia so they don’t feel any discomfort/pain during this process . Surgery is rarely used unless other treatments fail completely .

Knowing when shoulder pain is more than just a nuisance is essential so that you can get proper treatment right away before any further damage occurs due to neglecting symptoms associated with underlying medical conditions outlined above . If you experience any signs/symptoms associated with one or more of these conditions mentioned above then seeking medical attention immediately will ensure best possible outcome regarding treatment plan tailored specifically towards addressing individual needs based on current health status .

Tags:

Shoulder Pain, Mild to Severe, Injury/Strain, Bursitis, Rotator Cuff Tear, Osteoarthritis, Frozen Shoulder Syndrome, Adhesive Capsulitis, Stretching Exercises, Heat Therapy, Medications (Ibuprofen), Physical Therapy Sessions, Steroid Injections, Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA), Surgery,

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