Causes of shoulder pain and how to deal with it

Have you experienced pain or pain in your shoulder? When your shoulder hurts, your ability to move freely may be hampered, if not treated immediately. Shoulder pain, both in the right and left shoulder, is a common problem that may result from a variety of different causes. Then, what are the causes, and how do you deal with this musculoskeletal disorder? Check out the following explanation, let's go.

What are the causes of shoulder pain?

The shoulder is actually a joint that combines tendons and muscles and makes it easier for you to perform a variety of movements using the shoulder joint. Therefore, interference with the joints can cause problems in the motor system.

This condition may only appear occasionally, but it does not rule out that you will experience it all the time without stopping. If this is the case, you may need medical treatment to manage the pain.

Treatment for this condition is usually determined based on the cause of the pain in the shoulder. Therefore, understand some of the following causes of shoulder pain:

1. Rotator cuff torn

The rotator cuff is the tissue that wraps around the upper arm. This network consists of four muscles and several tendons, so that if it is torn it will cause pain in the shoulder. Usually, this pain will also be accompanied by weakness in the shoulder.

This rotator cuff tear may be only partially, but it can be as a whole. This condition can be experienced by everyone of all ages, but as you get older, you will be more prone to experience it.

2. Tendinitis

Tendinitis is a joint health problem that may be the cause of shoulder pain. Usually, pain in the shoulder due to tendinitis occurs due to calcium deposits that are embedded in the rotator cuff tendons.

Even so, the cause of these calcium deposits is still not known with certainty. If you have this type of tendon inflammation known as calcific tendinitis, you may experience pain that comes on suddenly.

This condition is more prone to be experienced by adults and diabetics. Medications can be done to reduce pain and keep the shoulder joint moving. Treatment options for calcific tendinitis include anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroid injections, and physical therapy.

However, if the pain doesn't go away, your doctor may suggest that you undergo surgery to remove calcium deposits.

3. Bursitis

Bursae are small bags filled with lubricating fluid that are located in joints in all parts of the body, including the shoulder joint. The function of the bursae is to provide a cushion between the bone and the soft tissue underneath it.

In addition, bursae can also help reduce friction between the moving muscles and the bones. However, overuse of the shoulder joint can cause inflammation and swelling of the bursae that is located between the rotator cuff and the acromion, one part of the shoulder joint. This condition is known as bursitis.

If so, the tissue in the shoulder area can become inflamed and cause pain. In fact, this condition not only causes pain in the shoulder, but also hinders daily activities.

4. Frozen shoulder

According to Hackensack Meridian Health,frozen shoulderis one of the most common causes of shoulder pain. Condition which is also known asadhesive capsulitis it is characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. The symptoms of this condition appear gradually but get worse over time.

Risk you are experiencingfrozen shoulderthis is especially true if you have recently had a medical procedure or have a medical problem that prevents you from moving your arm.

Even though it has been resolved, it is possible frozen shoulder will appear again. Even so, if it comes back, this condition will appear on a different side of the shoulder.

5. Osteoarthritis

Generally, one of the most common types of arthritis occurs in the knees and hips. However, osteoarthritis can also attack the shoulder joints, causing pain.

This condition occurs when the soft bone that supports the bones is eroded, causing friction between the bones. Osteoarthritis can be treated with rest, modification of the usual daily activities, to taking medication.

Medicines that are usually used to treat pain or pain due to osteoarthritis are class drugsnonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs) and corticosteroid injections. In some cases, the doctor may ask the patient to undergo surgery.

6. Fractures

A fracture that occurs in the shoulder usually involves the collarbone, humerus (upper arm bone), and the scapula. Shoulder fractures can occur in people of all ages, with different causes.

For example, in the elderly, a shoulder fracture may occur from falling while standing. Meanwhile, in young people, fractures in the shoulder can occur due to serious injuries such as motor vehicle accidents or sports injuries. Fractures can cause pain, swelling, and bruising in the shoulder.

Overcoming pain in the shoulder

There are several types of treatment for shoulder pain, depending on the cause of the pain and the symptoms. First aid for mild shoulder pain usually involves the RICE method:

• Rest: do not do strenuous activity or move the shoulder within 48 hours of injury
• Ice Apply the ice pack to the injured shoulder for 20 minutes, 4-8 times a day. You can use a plastic filled with chunks of ice and covered with a towel, or you can use a pre-made ice pack available at pharmacies.
• Compression: gently press the affected area to help reduce swelling. You can bandage your shoulder to keep it steady.
• Elevation: Keep the injured area higher than the heart. If you want to lie down, support your shoulders with a thick soft pillow to support it in position.

In addition, here are some treatment options for treating shoulder pain:

1. Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy or physical therapy is one of the main treatment options for shoulder pain which can be done by modifying daily activities that have the potential to increase the pain experienced.

This therapy will reduce problems such as stiffness and weakness in the shoulder. This activity also involves the movement of some physical activities that are commonly done, such as sports activities, working out, and other activities that make you move your shoulders a lot.

The goal, after undergoing this therapy you can do physical activities or activities as before.

2. Use of drugs

Shoulder pain can also be relieved by the use of painkillers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or paracetamol which can help control pain while you are trying to maintain and restore normal shoulder function.

If you have a history of high blood pressure or heart disease and kidney problems, it is better to consult with your doctor before using these drugs.

However, you are also not advised to take drugs to treat shoulder pain in the long term.

3. Do simple stretches

There are some simple stretches you can practice at home to treat shoulder pain.

Shoulder rolls

You may have often done this movement when you warm up before exercise. The good news is, you can also do it while sitting in the office.

You don't have to bother going outside to do this shoulder stretch. Apart from being able to do it between work, you can also do it at recess before starting to eat.

Here's how:

1. Sit up straight and keep your back straight.
2. Roll your shoulders forward 10 times.
3. Take a 5-10 second pause.
4. Repeat the same movement in the opposite direction, turning your shoulders back 10 times.

Armpit stretch

This one shoulder stretch is similar to kissing your own armpits. Now, if you are afraid to feel embarrassed in front of colleagues at work, you should do this stretch outside the room.

Here's how:

1. Sit up straight and keep your back straight.
2. With your right hand, slowly pull your head toward your armpit. Hold for 10 seconds. If it feels uncomfortable, don't force it and stop immediately.
3. Repeat the same movement with the left shoulder.
4. Do this movement twice on each side for maximum results.

Upper trapezius stretch

Just like before, you can also do this one shoulder stretch behind a table. Whenever your shoulder feels sore or stiff, treat it immediately with the following movements:

1. Sit up straight and keep your back straight.
2. Tilt your head to your right shoulder, as far as you can without lifting your left shoulder.
3. Modify this movement by gently pulling on your head with your right hand, then holding it for 10 seconds.
4. Repeat the same movement with the left shoulder.

Shoulder seated stretch

This stretch can be done while sitting. So, you can do it anywhere. To do this stretch, follow these steps:

1. Sit up straight on a chair.
2. Place your left hand on your right shoulder.
3. Support your left elbow with your right hand.
4. Perform circular movements on the shoulders up and down slowly.
5. Then, remove your hands from above your shoulders and place your left hand in front of your chest and hold it for a few moments.
6. Return to starting position and do the reverse side.

To do this movement, you can do 2-4 repetitions for 10-30 seconds each repetition.

If the treatment options that have been suggested above do not reduce the pain or shoulder pain you are feeling, try to consult with your doctor to find out more about what treatment is right for the condition you are experiencing.

Your doctor may recommend surgery or other medical procedures that can help manage your condition. Avoid doingself-diagnosisso as not to experience errors in handling. Always try to consult your doctor for any medical steps you take to treat shoulder pain.