You probably don’t think about your shoulders much until you suddenly feel pain in one of them. Shoulder pain limits a wide range of movement to such an extent that the simple act of brushing and drying your hair can seem like a monumental task. Your shoulder pain may range from mild to excruciating and can come on gradually or abruptly.
Since your shoulder is involved in a broad range of motions, it becomes vulnerable to injuries and pain-causing conditions. Your likelihood of experiencing shoulder pain increases with age.
In this article, we’ll tell you what causes shoulder pain and what you can do about it.
What Causes Shoulder Pain?
Several factors and joint conditions can contribute to shoulder pain. The most rampant cause is rotator cuff tendinitis. This occurs when your rotator cuff tendons get trapped under the shoulder’s bony area and become inflamed or damaged. Other factors that may contribute to shoulder pain include:
- Torn cartilage
- Dislocated shoulder
- Frozen shoulder
- Broken shoulder
- Swollen tendons
- Arthritis
- Calcific tendinitis
- Bone spurs
What Can You Do About Your Shoulder Pain?
If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, it’s not always possible for you to figure out the cause at home and treat it yourself. However, there are some at-home shoulders pain remedies for you to reduce pain.
Anti-Inflammatory and Pain Medications
Reducing inflammation and strengthening muscles are essential in treating shoulder pain. You can use some over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Pain relievers such as acetaminophen and aspirin can also help. You can also opt for pain relief gels and creams to avoid side effects such as stomach upset associated with oral pain medications.
Cold Compress/Ice Therapy
Cold compress is a great way to reduce swelling. You can apply an ice pack for 20 minutes up to five times a day. A cold compress will help numb sharp shoulder pain. Do not place cold compress/ice in direct contact with your skin.
Heat Therapy
Often, shoulder pain is due to sleeping in the wrong posture. Shoulder stiffness also contributes to shoulder pain. Applying heat helps soothe stiff shoulders and relaxes tense muscles. You can use a heating pad, heated gel pack, or water bath as heat therapy.
Rest and Modifying Your Posture
Shoulder overuse and repetitive motions often result in shoulder pain. If your experience pain due to shoulder overuse more often, you should stop or change the activity. You can also practice good posture to keep your tendons and shoulder muscles in the correct position. Taking proper rest and avoiding movements that cause pain can also be helpful.
Exercises and Stretches
Regular exercise and stretches work wonders to get a healthy and flexible body. In the same way, stretching your shoulders regularly can also keep them flexible and reduce pain. You can learn many exercises to stretch and strengthen your rotator cuff from your orthopedic doctor.
The at-home remedies mentioned are excellent choices for infrequent and minor shoulder pain. However, suppose your symptoms last longer than a week or are caused by an orthopedic injury or condition. In that case, you should immediately seek an orthopedic doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Orthopedic Care for Shoulder Pain in Merriam, Kansas
When it comes to shoulder pain relief. Midwest Orthopaedics has you covered. Our physicians are board-certified and equipped with knowledge and skills to address all types of orthopedic conditions and injuries, including ones that cause shoulder pain. We offer all kinds of treatments, including physical therapy and regenerative medicine.
To make an appointment, please call us at (913) 362-8317 or visit our office in Merriam, Kansas. You can also schedule an appointment using our online request form. Our team is ready to help you live the pain-free life you deserve!
