Your shoulder is an extremely flexible joint that consists of different muscles, ligaments, and tendons that function well together. Many different things can cause shoulder pain including good old wear and tear, injuries, as well as various inflammatory conditions.
So what exactly might be causing your shoulder pain? Perhaps one of these conditions below.
Shoulder Impingement
Also known as thrower or swimmer’s shoulder, its hallmark symptom is pain when you reach your shoulder away from your body. It’s among the most common shoulder pain causes that’s triggered when your shoulder blade’s front portion impinges or rubs your rotator cuff. Aside from shoulder pain, your movement will be limited, but won’t be unstable or weak. Your pain might be pronounced at night.
Frozen Shoulder
Among the most common symptoms of a frozen shoulder is sharp pain when you lift your arm, which makes it very difficult to brush your hair or reach up to your shoulder. It may occur from a shoulder injury or for no apparent reason at all.
Tears and Strains of The Rotator Cuff
While these can cause shoulder pain, they won’t limit your movement. You may be able to move your arm to your sides or overhead, but you will feel pain when doing it. Usual warning signs of rotator cuff problems include pain when you reach back and pain that worsens at night. Generally speaking, rotator cuff injuries and strains usually happen when playing sports that use overhead motions like volleyball or tennis. They could likewise be caused by poor posture and aging.
Biceps Tendinitis
Feeling significant tenderness and pain in the front area of your shoulder that gets worse when you reach overhead is a common biceps tendinitis symptom. You may likewise feel pain radiating to your upper arm bone and feel your shoulder clicking or snapping occasionally. Repetitive overhead movements like when playing tennis or swimming, for instance, could trigger biceps tendinitis. It is typically caused by tendon inflammation, specifically the tendon that connects your shoulder bones to your upper bicep muscle.
Osteoarthritis of The Shoulder
Shoulder osteoarthritis is basically a degenerative joint disease that causes your cartilage, which is a cushioning layer in between your bones, to become increasingly susceptible to wearing away. A previous injury, genetics, and aging could trigger it. You will probably feel pain after or while moving the affected shoulder. You will likewise feel stiffness following extended periods of inactivity like after sleeping, as well as clicking sounds when you move your shoulder.
Self-Care for Shoulder Pain
In order to ease minor shoulder pain, you can try the following home remedies:
- Rest – Refrain from using the affected shoulder in ways that could worsen your symptoms.
- Pain Medications – OTC pain meds like acetaminophen, naproxen, and ibuprofen may help ease your pain.
- Cold Therapy/Cryotherapy – Cold will help decrease pain and swelling. You could do this by simply applying an ice pack on the affected shoulder or a cold therapy system.
No matter what’s causing your shoulder pain, early treatment is extremely vital. These home pain management tips may help you recover, but in the event that they don’t, seek professional help as soon as possible.
