Take Charge of Your Health - Don't Shrug Off Shoulder Pain
The shoulder is capable of a wider and more varied range of motion than any other joint in your body, yet its flexibility is what makes it vulnerable to instability and injury.
-St. Mary's Medical Center, WPB, FL
The shoulder is the most movable joint in the human body. With lots of range of motion and flexibility, the shoulder tends to be unstable and therefore vulnerable and more prone to injury. Very small changes in the shoulder can easily alter its mechanical function.
Most of us take our shoulders for granted until we suddenly experience pain. The cause may be as simple as blow-drying our hair, lifting heavy luggage into an airplane’s overhead storage, or simply the aging process. Shoulder pain may be mild or excruciating, come on suddenly or develop over time, and be localized or spread out around the shoulder and down the arm.
A long list of conditions can cause shoulder pain. These include:
Poor shoulder posture
Labrum tears – the cartilage that reinforces the ball and socket joint
Frozen shoulder
Arthritis
Bone spurs
Pinched nerves
Bursitis - inflammation of a fluid-filled sac that protects the joint and helps it move smoothly
A broken shoulder bone
Dislocation – the shoulder is the most frequently dislocated joint in the body
Shoulder separation
Overuse
Sudden pain or pressure in the left shoulder could be the sign of a heart attack and it is important to understand that in women this pain may be more subtle.
The most common cause of shoulder pain results from a tear or impingement of the rotator cuff – a group of four muscles and tendons that enable range of motion. When these tendons get trapped under the bones in the shoulder, they can become inflamed or damaged; this is called rotator cuff tendinitis or bursitis. This can be the result of an injury or just everyday wear and tear. If you experience both pain and weakness in the shoulder, you could have a tear. If surgery is required, patience is essential since it generally it takes six to eight weeks for the tendon to attach to the bone. After that, it takes an additional four months for recovery from a small tear and six to twelve months of recovery for a large tear.
X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans are often used to determine the diagnosis, the extent of the condition, and the best treatment plan for shoulder injuries.
There are some simple things you can do to help protect your shoulders and avoid injury: Stand up straight and be aware of your posture; use proper ergonomics at work; avoid carrying heavy items including bags on your shoulder; warm up and stretch regularly; avoid repetitive motions of your arms and shoulders; and speak with your doctor or a physical therapist about range of motion and strengthening exercises that are best suited to you.
If you have a shoulder injury or are experiencing pain, it is generally recommended that you: give your shoulder adequate rest; apply ice for 15 minutes, 3-4 times a day; take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication and/or consider a corticosteroid injection to reduce the inflammation. Be sure to investigate physical therapy and be diligent about any rehab exercise routine; it makes a difference. Although healing can take time, many times shoulder surgery can be avoided.
If you injure yourself, suspect a tear, or are experiencing sudden pain, be sure to see your doctor right away. Some injuries can easily get worse and the sooner you get treatment, the more successful your result may be.