The shoulder joint is the most movable joint in the entire human body. If your shoulder is in good health, you might not give it much thought as you use it to help you play sports, carry groceries, or accomplish other tasks. If you have shoulder pain, though, your quality of life may be affected. What causes shoulder pain, and what can you do to get rid of the problem ASAP? This blog post contains useful information.
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
Often, people experience shoulder pain when the tendons around the joint get trapped under the shoulder’s bony area. This condition is known as rotator cuff tendinitis.
Other common causes of shoulder pain include
- A torn rotator cuff
- Arthritis
- Dislocation of the joint
- Overuse
- Bone spurs
- Poor posture
- Nerve injuries
Home Remedies for Shoulder Pain
You might be able to help your shoulder heal on its own by taking some simple steps:
- Use ice to reduce inflammation and dull discomfort. You can also apply heat to relax tense muscles.
- Let your shoulder rest until the pain starts to subside.
- Use over-the-counter painkillers.
- Practice good posture.
Professional Treatments for Shoulder Pain
If your pain is severe or chronic, you should certainly visit a qualified doctor to talk about your symptoms. (As a side note, sudden shoulder pain that runs from the chest to the left jaw or neck can be a sign of a heart attack. If that ever happens to you, call 911.)
During your appointment, your doctor will learn about your symptoms and perform an examination. Thereafter, they can recommend a treatment. They will likely start with conservative options, such as exercises to strengthen the joint. Other possibilities include:
- Corticosteroid injections. Corticosteroids are power anti-inflammatory medications.
- PRP therapy. This treatment uses the platelet-rich part of your blood to encourage healing.
- Prolotherapy or Prolozone. These introduce minor irritants at the site of an injury that can kickstart your body’s healing ability.
- Stem cell therapy (also called biological cell therapy). Stem cells act as messengers within the human body that can speed up the healing process.
Such treatments are non-surgical, so they have a short recovery time and can provide results within a few days or a few weeks.
In cases of severe injury, surgery may be the best way to repair damage in the shoulder and restore its full function. If that is true for you, your doctor can refer you to a trustworthy orthopedic surgeon.
Shoulder pain can be a complex problem, and there is no universal cure for it. However, there are steps you can take to reduce the pain and get back to enjoying your life.
Meet Dr. Pinkston
Dr. James Pinkston, DO, is board-certified in neuromusculoskeletal medicine. He specializes in providing non-surgical orthopedic treatment. He regularly helps patients who deal with shoulder pain and a broad range of other conditions. If you would like to consult with him about your symptoms, contact our Asheville office at 828-417-9913.