Understanding Why Your Shoulder Hurts

Understanding Why Your Shoulder Hurts

You must know that the most mobile joint in the body is the shoulder joint. It can move the shoulder in circular, forward and backward motion. Due to its versatility, the shoulder is susceptible to injury. When something is wrong with your shoulder, it will surely impede your ability to move freely. On top of that, it can also cause great pain and discomfort.

It is important to know when something is wrong with your shoulder and what causes it. Here are the common reasons for shoulder pain:

Rotator cuff tendonitis

An injury to the rotator cuff is the most common reason for suffering a shoulder pain. The rotator cuff refers to a group of tendons and muscles that link the bones of the shoulder joint. It functions by keeping the ball of the upper arm bone centered in the shoulder socket. This assists you to raise and rotate your arm.

Raising and rotating your arm repetitively can lead to inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons, which is also called tendonitis. The good news is that rotator cuff tendonitis often gets better if you change activities and avoid provoking the pain. Additionally, you can also apply ice or heat to the shoulder together with NSAIDs (Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs).

Frozen shoulder

This injury refers to the severe stiffness of the shoulder impeding movement. It has varying levels of pain. It happens when the connective tissue that lines the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and thickened. Most people heal without treatment but it will take time. In fact, it can take about 18 months for the frozen shoulder to “thaw’ completely. If you want to cut it down a few months, you can consider physical therapy.

Shoulder bursitis

If you feel deep soreness, there is a chance that you have shoulder bursitis. This is a condition that characterises an inflammation of the bursa – a fluid-filled sac that gives a smooth surface for bones and muscles to glide. The pain is outside the shoulder and it becomes worse when you raise your arm above the head. Treatments include rest, ice or heat and pain relievers. In some cases, the doctor may recommend physical therapy.

Shoulder impingement

Shoulder impingement happens after a repeated overhead activity like swimming. In this case, the shoulder tendons and bursa get stricken or hit between the shoulder bones. This will make moving the arm very painful. The key to alleviating the pain and prevent more damage is physical therapy.

OA (Osteoarthritis)

OA is one type of arthritis that is caused by ordinary wear and tear on the shoulder joint. In this condition, it will destroy the cartilage that acts as a cushion between the bones. As the cartilage breaks down, the bones will rub against each other causing inflammation and pain. Treatments for most people include avoiding provoking the pain and applying heat or ice. NSAIDs can also help together with physical therapy.

When you experience shoulder pain, it is crucial that you consult your doctor for formal diagnosis right away. The diagnosis will include an X-ray or ultrasound and physical exam. If the doctor sees it fit, you may be even referred for physical therapy. The doctor will also consider https://nydnrehab.com/what-we-treat/shoulder-pain/nyc-new-york-city-shoulder-pain-treatment/.