The shoulder consists of the humerus (upper arm bone), scapula (shoulder blade), and clavicle (collarbone), with the glenohumeral (ball-and-socket) joint acting as the primary articulation point allowing for diverse movements such as flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation.
Despite its versatility, shoulder pain is a common complaint, ranging from dull discomfort to debilitating pain. The causes include overuse injuries, trauma, degenerative conditions, and underlying medical issues. Identifying the cause of shoulder pain is crucial for effective treatment and prevention of complications.
What Are Common Causes of Shoulder Pain?
Shoulder pain is common and can stem from various causes including overexertion, poor posture, trauma, and repetitive movements. In addition, it may also stem from various issues, such as:
- Rotator Cuff Injuries: Overuse or sudden trauma can lead to tears or strains in the rotator cuff, causing pain and limited range of motion.
- Frozen Shoulder: This condition involves stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint, often developing gradually and restricting movement.
- Arthritis: Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the shoulder joint, resulting in chronic pain, inflammation, and reduced mobility.
- Shoulder Impingement: Tendons of the rotator cuff or bursa become pinched between the bones of the shoulder joint, causing irritation, inflammation, and pain.
- Tendonitis and Bursitis: Inflammation of the tendons (tendonitis) or bursae (bursitis) around the shoulder can cause localised pain and discomfort during movement.
- Shoulder Dislocation: This refers to a traumatic injury that occurs when the upper arm bone pops out of the socket, leading to severe pain and instability in the shoulder.
Complications of Shoulder Pain
Ignoring shoulder pain or leaving it untreated can lead to worsening symptoms, reduced mobility, and potential long-term damage to the shoulder joint and surrounding tissues. It is important to seek medical advice for persistent or severe shoulder pain for proper treatment.
When Do You Need to See a Doctor?
Shoulder pain can sometimes heal by itself, especially if it is caused by short-term overuse or a minor strain. However, see a doctor for shoulder pain that:
- Lingers: If the discomfort persists for a long time.
- Worsens: If the pain gets progressively worse over time.
- Hinders: If it significantly restricts your daily activities.
Additionally, it is important to seek medical help if the pain is accompanied by:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Warmth
- Limited shoulder mobility
As a rule, if your discomfort does not improve after resting, applying ice, and taking anti-inflammatory medication, it could be a sign of a more serious injury. Getting prompt medical evaluation and treatment can effectively manage your symptoms and prevent the condition from becoming more serious.
How Is Shoulder Pain Diagnosed?
Understanding the root cause of shoulder pain is crucial to determine the proper course of action. Generally, it involves various diagnostic tests to identify its cause and assess its severity:
- Physical Examination: A shoulder specialist will conduct a thorough physical examination to assess the range of motion, strength, and any areas of tenderness in the shoulder.
- Medical History: Initial consultation also includes an evaluation of the patient’s medical history. This involves a discussion of the onset of symptoms, previous injuries, and relevant medical conditions, to help determine possible causes of shoulder pain.
- Imaging Tests: X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans may be ordered to visualise the structures of the shoulder, such as bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles, allowing for a more precise diagnosis.
- Arthrogram: Often combined with MRIs, this test involves injecting a special dye into the shoulder to better show the soft tissues in and around the joint.
- Laboratory Tests: Blood tests are sometimes conducted to rule out certain systemic conditions or assess for signs of inflammation contributing to shoulder pain.
- Shoulder Arthroscopy: This minimally invasive surgical procedure provides a clear look inside your injured joint. In most cases, diagnosis and treatment can be completed together.
How Is Shoulder Pain Treated?
Treatments for shoulder pain may range from conservative methods to surgical interventions, depending on its cause and severity.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Initially, orthopaedic specialists may recommend non-surgical treatments to manage shoulder pain and its accompanying symptoms. These treatments include:
- Rest and Activity Modification: Resting the shoulder and avoiding activities that worsen the pain can facilitate healing and prevent further injury.
- Physiotherapy: Targeted exercises and stretches can help improve shoulder strength and flexibility, aiding in pain management and recovery.
- Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and pain relievers may be prescribed to alleviate discomfort and reduce inflammation.
- Injections: Corticosteroid injections can provide temporary relief from pain and inflammation.
Surgical Treatments
When non-surgical options are insufficient, especially in cases of severe shoulder pain, surgical intervention may be recommended. Common surgical procedures for shoulder pain include:
- Arthroscopic Surgery: This is a minimally invasive procedure performed to repair damaged tissues or address underlying issues within the shoulder joint.
- Open Surgery: In cases of severe injury or structural abnormalities, open surgery may be necessary to reconstruct ligaments, repair fractures, or replace damaged joint components.
- Shoulder Replacement: For advanced arthritis or irreparable damage, total or partial shoulder replacement surgery may be recommended to restore function and alleviate chronic pain.
Post-Operative Care After Shoulder Surgery
Post-operative care is crucial to support recovery and prevent complications. Typically, orthopaedic surgeons recommend the following to ensure safe recovery following shoulder surgery.
- Pain Management: Pain medications, ice therapy, and elevation can reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Immobilisation and Rest: A sling or brace may be needed to prevent movement that could disrupt the surgery site. Rest allows the body to heal.
- Rehabilitation Exercises: Physiotherapy typically begins soon after surgery to restore range of motion, strength, and flexibility in the shoulder joint.
- Wound Care: Proper wound care is essential to prevent infection and promote healing. Keep the surgical site clean and dry, change dressings as instructed, and look out for signs of infection.
- Follow-up Appointments: Regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon are essential to monitor progress and address any concerns or complications that may arise.
- Lifestyle Modifications: This may include avoiding strenuous, modifying work duties, and making ergonomic changes to reduce the risk of reinjury.
How to Prevent Shoulder Pain
Preventing shoulder pain involves a combination of lifestyle modifications, proper body mechanics, and proactive measures to maintain shoulder health. Here are some strategies to help prevent shoulder pain:
- Maintain Good Posture: Practise proper ergonomics at work and home to reduce strain on the shoulders and upper back.
- Perform Regular Shoulder Exercises: Incorporate stretching and strengthening exercises to improve flexibility and strengthen the shoulder muscles, reducing the risk of injury.
- Use Proper Lifting Techniques: Employ correct lifting methods, such as bending the knees and keeping the back straight, to prevent undue stress on the shoulders.
- Avoid Repetitive Overhead Activities: Minimise repetitive overhead movements to reduce strain on the shoulder joints and muscles.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess body weight can strain the shoulders. Maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise can prevent shoulder pain caused by strain.
- Ergonomic Adjustments: Ensure workstations and equipment are ergonomically designed to reduce stress on the shoulders during daily activities.
- Rest: When engaging in prolonged activities that strain the shoulders, take regular breaks to rest the shoulder muscles and prevent overuse injuries.
If you are experiencing shoulder pain and other accompanying symptoms, do not delay seeking medical help. Prompt intervention helps manage symptoms and prevent them from worsening. Our team at International Orthopaedic Clinic is dedicated to providing essential orthopaedic care. Schedule a consultation today at 6253 7111 to identify the root cause of your shoulder pain and regain your mobility.
