Shoulder pain

Reasons and treatment of shoulder pain: what you need to know?

About the symptom

Shoulder pain is a common symptom that can arise for various reasons and significantly impair quality of life. It may manifest as sharp discomfort, burning, or dull pain, often radiating to the neck, back, or arm. This symptom can be the result of numerous pathologies, including injuries, inflammatory processes, arthritis, overworked muscles, or even diseases of internal organs. It is important to note that each cause requires an individual approach and accurate diagnosis for effective treatment.

Accompanying symptoms, such as limited movement, swelling, tingling, or redness in the shoulder area, can help a doctor establish an accurate diagnosis. In some cases, shoulder pain may be caused by more serious conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, making timely consultation with a specialist particularly important. If you experience persistent or worsening shoulder pain, do not delay in visiting a medical clinic for consultation and assessment of your health condition.

Diseases

Pain in the shoulder can be a symptom of various diseases that affect both the shoulder itself and nearby areas of the body. One of the most common conditions is (rotator cuff injury) – a rotator cuff injury associated with damage or tearing of the tendons that provide stability to the shoulder joint. This condition often manifests in people engaged in physical activity, as well as in elderly individuals due to age-related changes. The pain may worsen when raising the arm, and there may also be a feeling of weakness in the shoulder.

Another common condition that causes shoulder pain is (frozen shoulder) – adhesive capsulitis, which is characterized by significant limitations in mobility and painful sensations. This condition can develop as a result of injury, surgical intervention, or for no apparent reason. Pain in this case often occurs at night and can interfere with a person’s usual activities. It is also worth mentioning osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint, which can lead to cartilage changes and pain, especially in older individuals.

  • Rotator Cuff Injury
  • Frozen Shoulder
  • Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder Joint
  • Shoulder Bursitis
  • Tendinitis
  • Shoulder Fractures
  • Nerve Entrapment
  • Shoulder Instability

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of shoulder pain involves a comprehensive approach that helps doctors determine the exact cause of discomfort. First, the specialist conducts a medical history, asking the patient about the nature of the pain, when it started, and other accompanying symptoms. It is important to consider any injuries or overexertion that may have preceded the onset of pain. Based on the information gathered, the doctor may prescribe a series of additional tests to clarify the diagnosis.

Key diagnostic methods include imaging studies that allow evaluation of the condition of joints, soft tissues, and bones. Additionally, clinical tests may be useful, such as checking joint mobility and physical tests aimed at identifying local sources of pain. Early detection and proper interpretation of symptoms increase the chances of successful treatment and restoration of shoulder function.

  • X-ray of the shoulder joint
  • Magnetic resonance therapy (MRI)
  • Computed tomography (CT)
  • Ultrasound examination (US)
  • Laboratory tests (blood tests to identify diseases)
  • Physical tests for mobility and strength of the shoulder joint

Which doctor to consult

When you experience shoulder pain, it is important not to ignore this symptom, as it may signal more serious diseases or injuries. The first step to alleviating pain and restoring health is to consult a doctor. The best choice would be a specialist who can carry out a thorough examination and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Depending on the nature of the pain and its manifestations, you may need to consult various specialists. An orthopedic doctor, for example, will help in case of injury or diseases of the musculoskeletal system. A neurologist will determine if your pain is related to nerve roots, while a physiotherapist will offer a set of exercises and techniques to restore mobility and relieve pain. You may also need the help of a rheumatologist if the cause of the pain lies in inflammatory processes.

  • Orthopedic doctor
  • Neurologist
  • Physiotherapist
  • Rheumatologist
  • Traumatologist

Types of Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can manifest in various forms and have diverse causes. It can be acute or chronic, constant or intermittent. Acute pain, often occurring suddenly, may indicate injuries such as ligament tears or dislocations. Chronic pain, on the other hand, is often related to prolonged muscle tension, age-related changes, or joint diseases such as osteoarthritis.

Another important classification is the localization of pain. Pain may be felt in the shoulder joint area, in the shoulder blade, or simply in the upper arm. Depending on where the discomfort arises, the doctor will be able to more accurately determine the likely causes and prescribe appropriate treatment. For example, pain in the shoulder joint may be associated with damage to the rotator cuff or overuse, while pain in the shoulder blade area may indicate a pathology of the thoracic spine.

  • Acute pain – associated with injuries and strains;
  • Chronic pain – may be related to inflammatory diseases;
  • Localized pain – concentrated in the joint area;
  • Radiating pain – may refer to the neck or arm;
  • Mobility issues – may accompany pain sensations;

Causes of Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can be caused by a variety of factors, both traumatic and non-traumatic. One of the most common causes is damage to the joints or ligaments, which occurs as a result of stress on the shoulder joint or due to injury. Chronic stress and professional activities associated with repetitive movements can lead to inflammation and damage to soft tissues. Age-related changes also play an important role, as the joint structures wear down with age, increasing the risk of pain.

In addition to mechanical factors, shoulder pain can be caused by systemic diseases, such as arthritis or bursitis. In some cases, the pain may be referred, where the cause is related to issues with the cardiovascular system or internal organs. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the context in which the pain occurs, as this can help the doctor accurately diagnose and determine treatment.

  • Injuries (dislocations, sprains, ligament tears)
  • Acute and chronic inflammatory processes (bursitis, tendonitis)
  • Degenerative diseases (osteoarthritis, shoulder-scapular periarthritis)
  • Referred pain (myocardial infarction, cervical spine diseases)
  • Occupational diseases (frozen shoulder syndrome)

Common Related Pathologies

Shoulder pain can be a symptom of not only local diseases but also reflect problems in other parts of the body. Common related pathologies include osteoarthritis, which leads to inflammation and degeneration of the joints, often causing pain and limited mobility. Also important is the presence of internal organ diseases, such as heart diseases, where shoulder pain may indicate an angina attack or myocardial infarction.

Additionally, the presence of clicks, crackling, or discomfort in the shoulder may be related to soft tissue injuries, such as a rotator cuff tear or bursitis. These conditions can occur as a result of excessive strain on the shoulder joint or trauma, and timely diagnosis is crucial for successful recovery. Note that some systemic diseases, such as arthritis or diabetes, may also cause abnormal sensations and pain in the shoulder.

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Location of cardiovascular diseases
  • Rotator cuff tear
  • Bursitis
  • Arthritis
  • Diabetes
  • Cervical osteochondrosis

Expert Opinion

Shoulder pain is a common symptom that patients report to specialists. According to doctors, it is important to understand that the shoulder joint is one of the most mobile and vulnerable elements of the musculoskeletal system. It is capable of a wide range of movements, which makes it particularly prone to injuries and inflammations. Additionally, shoulder pain can be associated not only with local problems but also with pathologies of internal organs, which requires a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment.

Experts note that when shoulder pain appears, it is important not to delay a visit to the doctor. Ignoring symptoms can lead to a worsening situation, increased pain, and a decrease in quality of life. For accurate diagnosis, modern equipment and qualified specialists are necessary. They will help determine the cause of the pain and develop an individual treatment plan, which may include both medication therapy and physical rehabilitation.

Treatment of Shoulder Pain

Treatment of shoulder pain can vary depending on the cause and severity of symptoms. The initial assessment of the patient’s condition includes taking a medical history, physical examination, and, in some cases, the use of additional diagnostic methods. An important step is to determine the cause of the pain — it can be caused by both injuries and chronic diseases. Based on the information obtained, the doctor will be able to prescribe the most appropriate treatment course.

Treatment methods may include conservative approaches such as physical therapy, massage, the use of anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications. In some complex cases, surgical intervention may be required. Modern technologies allow minimizing the invasiveness of procedures and speeding up rehabilitation.

  • Physical therapy and therapeutic exercises
  • Massage and manual therapy
  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Pain relievers
  • Steroid injections
  • Surgical interventions
  • Alternative medicine methods (acupuncture, etc.)

Complications

Pain in the shoulder can be not only an independent symptom but also a sign of more serious diseases. If one does not consult a doctor in time, this can lead to the development of various complications. One of the most common consequences is the limitation of mobility in the joint, which can significantly worsen a person’s quality of life. A person may begin to experience difficulties in performing daily tasks, such as lifting their arm or doing physical work.

In addition, chronic shoulder pain can lead to disturbances in the functioning of other parts of the musculoskeletal system. For example, people suffering from shoulder pain may compensate for the discomfort by overloading other joints and muscles, which may subsequently lead to the development of tendonitis, bursitis, and other diseases. The exacerbation of these pathologies may require more intensive and prolonged treatment, increasing the financial and time costs of recovery.

To avoid possible complications, it is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner and adhere to treatment guidelines. A reasonable approach to one’s health will help avoid long-term consequences for the body and return to an active life.

  • Limitation of shoulder joint mobility
  • Development of secondary diseases (tendonitis, bursitis)
  • Chronic pain
  • Disturbance in the functioning of other joints and muscles
  • Psycho-emotional disorders (depression, anxiety)

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