5 Reasons for Shoulder Pain
1. Rotator Cuff Disorders
Rotator cuff tendinopathy is the most common cause of shoulder pain. You may have a history of heavy lifting or repeated movements, especially above shoulder level. A dull pain will be located in the shoulder joint with associated tenderness. There may be some muscle wasting and movements of the shoulder will be painful. A rotator cuff tear is usually suspected if there is a history of trauma. Similar to the tendinopathy, there is a weakness in the muscles and pain on examination.
What can I do to relieve the symptoms of rotator cuff disorders?
Whilst you wait for one of our team to get in touch with you, initially rotator cuff disorders should be treated with relative rest. Work habits or hobbies must be modified to within the limits of pain. Ice should be used for 15-20 minutes at least 3 or 4 times a day. You could also try sleeping with a pillow between your arm and body to try and decrease tension on the supraspinatus.
2. Adhesive Capsulitis
Also known as “frozen shoulder” the two main characteristics are pain and persistent stiffness in the shoulder joint. Depending on the stage of this condition will depend on the amount of pain or stiffness. The pain felt is often described as a “deep joint pain” and will restrict every day activities such as getting dressed in the morning or putting on a jacket. This condition is more common in people with diabetes and those who have had their arm immobilised for prolonged periods of time.
What can I do to relieve the symptoms of adhesive capsulitis?
Whilst you wait for one of our team to get in touch with you the main focus will be on pain relief. During the early stages avoiding movements that make the pain worse is a good idea however you shouldn’t stop moving all together.
3. Acromioclavicular Joint Disease
This usually occurs following a history of trauma or osteoarthritis. Pain and tenderness are located over the joint with occasional swelling. There is pain and difficulty moving the arm across the body. Advanced acromioclavicular osteoarthritis may also cause subacromial impingement.
What can I do to relieve the symptoms of acromioclavicular joint disease?
Unless significant traumatic dislocation occurs then rest is advised as well as icing for 15-20 minutes at least 3 or 4 times a day.
4. Referred Neck Pain
Typically there is tenderness over the lower part of the neck and suprascapular area which extends to the shoulder and upper limb area. Shoulder movement may also be restricted. Moving the neck may reproduce more generalised upper back, neck and shoulder pain.
What can I do to relieve the symptoms of referred neck pain?
Whilst you wait for one of our team to get in touch with you initial treatment should be aimed to reduce pain and inflammation. The use of ice is important as well as reducing compressive forces on the nerve root. Relative rest and avoiding positions that increase arm or neck pain are is also important.
5. Bursitis
The bursa is fluid filled sack tht can be found in certain points around the body between the tissues that acts as a cushion to decrease friction and irritation between the tissue. When this becomes inflamed it can become swollen and painful. There are 8 bursa in the shoulder, more than at any other joint in the shoulder. These can become irritated by; overloading them with repetitive motions, trauma or an inflamed joint. Inflamed bursae can cause reduced range of motion, pain when moving, interrupted sleep patterns and in advanced cases can cause muscles to weaken.
What can I do to relieve the symptoms of bursitis?
Whilst you wait for one of our team to get in touch with you initial treatment will be focused on reducing inflammation. Where possible you should refrain from repetitive shoulder movements and aggravating activities. Ice should be applied to the area for 20 minutes every hour where possible.