Shoulder pain can develop for various reasons and get in the way of your favorite activities. Get back to feeling like yourself again with our shoulder pain treatment options at Ortho OIC.
What Is Shoulder Pain?
Your shoulder joints are some of the most used parts of your body. The joint comprises four muscles and tendons, referred to as the rotator cuff, that give the shoulder its wide range of motion. Damage to the muscle, tendons or bones can cause significant discomfort in the joint during movement. The discomfort and pain levels can range from mild to severe, sometimes starting weaker and getting worse with time.
What Can Cause Shoulder Pain?
As previously mentioned, there are a variety of issues that can cause shoulder pain. The most common cause is tendinitis, which is when the rotator cuff’s tendons become caught underneath the shoulder’s bony area and become inflamed or damaged from constant movement and rubbing.
Some other causes of shoulder pain include:
- Arthritis: The wearing down of the bone cartilage on the ball joint, causing a painful lack of motion in the shoulder.
- Bone spurs: Bony projections formed where bones meet in the joints. Usually associated with arthritis following the eroding of the cartilage on the joint.
- Broken bone: A fracture of any of the bones in the shoulder, such as the humerus, clavicle and scapula.
- Dislocation: When the upper arm bone, or humerus, pops out of the shoulder blade socket. Sharp pain and immobility are indicators of dislocation.
- Nerve injury: The brachial plexus, a network of nerves in the front of the shoulder, becomes damaged, resulting in numbness, weakness or tingling.
- Poor posture: Slouching and sliding down while seated can pinch tendons and result in rubbing against the padding in the shoulder, causing tension and pain.
- Stiff muscles: Sleeping on your side and not using your shoulder for long periods can cause your muscles to stiffen and become stressed.
- Referred pain: The radiation of pain from another part of the body. Shoulder pain can exist due to abdominal problems, pelvic issues and more.
When to See a Doctor
If your shoulder pain increases or lasts for a while, consider seeing a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan. You should especially reach out in these instances:
- Conservative treatments like pain medications, physical therapy and rest are ineffective.
- Severe pain arises and an exact cause cannot be pinpointed.
- The pain lasts for six months or longer.
How Do You Treat Shoulder Pain?
Depending on the exact issue, mild to severe shoulder pain can be treated in various ways, including:
- Physical therapy: Use tailored exercises to strengthen your shoulder.
- Pain medications: Manage your symptoms.
- Injections: Enjoy a form of pain medication that metabolizes faster.
- Shoulder brace: Provide stabilization for painful movement.
- Massage therapy: Loosen stiff muscles.
- Surgery: Use this as a last-resort option if treatments are ineffective.
Find Doctors for Shoulder Pain at Ortho OIC
No matter your situation, the shoulder pain doctors at Ortho OIC are here to help. We will meet with you about our range of treatment options to discuss a care plan for your needs. Contact us today to book an appointment and find a solution for your shoulder pain.
