What to do About Shoulder Pain

You probably don’t notice your shoulders that much until you feel a sudden pain in it. And when that happens, simple everyday tasks like brushing your hair or grabbing something can be a struggle.

Apparently, shoulder pain is very common, especially as we age. It can appear gradually or abruptly and the quality may range from mild to excruciating.

Causes of Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can be a symptom of different conditions including:

Rotator cuff injuries and irritation

Many cases of shoulder pain are brought about by problems in the rotator cuff. A rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that help secure the shoulder into the socket. It allows the shoulders to move in a circular motion.

Problems in rotator cuff often fall into two categories: tears and inflammation. Your shoulder pain may be due to a rotator cuff injury and/or irritation if you feel pain or stiffness when lifting your arm above your head.

Impingement syndrome

This is a condition in which the rotator cuff gets caught between the acromion and the humeral head. The acromion is the part of the scapula that covers the ball.

Other possible causes of shoulder pain include arthritis, torn cartilage, pinched nerve, frozen shoulder, dislocated shoulder, and injury due to repetitive or repetitive use.

Treatment Options for Shoulder Pain

Treatment for shoulder pain would depend on the cause and the severity of the pain. Some treatment options include medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical or occupational therapy, immobilization (through the use of a shoulder sling), or surgery. 

If you’re suffering from shoulder pain and unsure what is causing it, our physicians at Ozark Orthopaedics can help. To request an appointment, please call (479) 521-2752.