Why Do I Have Chronic Shoulder Pain?

Chronic shoulder pain isn’t always a sign of something as serious as a life-threatening heart attack. It is also possible in case of an untreated underlying condition.

Why Do I Have Chronic Shoulder Pain?

Chronic shoulder pain isn’t always a sign of something as serious as a life-threatening heart attack. It is also possible in case of an untreated underlying condition. 

Generally, arthritis, impingement, bankart lesion, and frozen shoulder are the main causes to blame. 

It is best to consult a shoulder specialist to learn about the root cause of the pain. The doctor will examine the situation thoroughly for an accurate diagnosis. Then, effective treatment will be ensured for lasting relief.   

Anatomy

The shoulder is a ball and socket joint. It is covered by a layer of connective tissues, known as the rotator cuff. The joint has the following parts. 

     Socket (or Glenoid Fossa)

     Ball (or The Humerus) 

     The Labrum

     Rotator Cuff

     Articular Cartilage

     Bursae

     Synovial Membrane 

The socket is medically called the Glenoid Fossa. It is a shallow concave cavity. The humerus is the upper arm bone; it connects to the socket and gives functionality. 

A soft tissue structure, the labrum, is found on the rim of the socket. Its main work is to facilitate mobility and fix the joint in place. 

The rotator cuff is a group of soft tissues. It includes muscles, tendons and ligaments. These connective parts keep the whole of the shoulder joint in place. 

Articular cartilage is found on the bone ends and its presence facilitates motion and friction-free movements. 

Furthermore, a bursa is a fluid-filled sac that provides for extra cushioning. 

The synovial membrane is the joint lining and it produces lubricant that helps with joint agility and trouble-free motion.

Causes

The following are the major reasons for chronic shoulder pain.   

Arthritis: There are a variety of arthritic conditions, namely, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, septic arthritis etc. Aging people often deal with osteoarthritis (OA) which is a condition of damaged cartilage. 

Arthritis leads to severe damage. The affected person often needs a replacement procedure. Many joint replacement surgeons in India offer the best treatment. 

Shoulder Impingement: This is another common condition among both young and aging people. The main causes of the problem are repetitive motion (overuse) and an injury. 

The rotator cuff tendons rub on the shoulder bone, leading to pain and reduced motion. It happens due to the inflammation of the tendon, or tendonitis. 

Frozen Shoulder: Shoulder muscles and other soft tissue parts (rotator cuff) tighten and thicken. The condition’s origin or cause is unknown and unclear yet. 

Bankart Lesion: Tearing or damage to the labrum is known as the bankart lesion. The condition is easily treatable with arthroscopy.     

Bursitis: A bursa is a little fluid-filled sac. Trauma can cause damage to it, leading to swelling and pain. 

Tendonitis: Tendon swelling and pain due to overuse or trauma is called tendonitis. 

Instability (Shoulder Dislocation): When the ball part of the shoulder moves out of the socket, it is known as dislocation. It is the most likely condition after a direct blow or trauma to the shoulder.     

Fracture: Improperly treated fractures or bone breaks also lead to chronic pain over time.   

Apart from these reasons, shoulder pain is also common in tumours, infections and neurological problems.

Symptom

Shoulder pain is often accompanied by the following discomforts as well. 

     Swelling

     Tenderness

     Redness

     Reduced Mobility

     Radiating Pain

     Tingling Sensations

     Anxiety

Diagnosis

A doctor examines shoulder conditions with the help of the following imaging tests. 

     X-Ray

     MRI

     CT Scan 

An X-ray test is recommended when the bone and joint conditions are to be checked and evaluated. This test isn’t efficient at producing soft-tissue images. So, for that matter, an MRI or a CT scan is put to use. 

However, MRIs aren’t suitable for patients with metal implants within the body.

Treatment

Shoulder pain causes disability and discomfort among many people across the globe. It is often treated with the following treatment options. The course of treatment depends on one’s condition.   

R.I.C.E.: It is the first aid that must be followed right after trauma. It helps reduce inflammation. R stands for rest. Avoid moving the injured part as much as possible. It prevents the injury from becoming worse. 

I stands for ice pack application to the injured part. Low temperature constricts the vessels and reduces blood supply to the site of injury, resulting in reduced inflammation. 

Furthermore, C is for compression and E is for elevation. In other words, compress the affected part and also elevate it above the heart level.  

If the first aid doesn’t help with healing and pain relief, you must consult a doctor as soon as possible before it gets worse. 

Painkillers: Medicines are prescribed to relieve pain and inflammation. 

Infections: For intense pain, injections are also recommended. The steroid is injected into the site of the problem for instant relief. 

Biologics: It is a type of medicine that is made out of living tissue. Commonly used examples are PRP and stem cell therapy. This treatment helps with healing and rehabilitation. 

Immobilisation: A splint or sling can be used to treat conditions like fractures and dislocations. 

Arthroscopy: When the shoulder dislocates again and again, it is known as the recurrent shoulder dislocation. It can be effectively treated with arthroscopy. 

Furthermore, the bankart lesion is also treatable arthroscopically.

Prevention

Consider the following prevention-related tips. 

Posture Corrections: Avoid slouching or hunching over during prolonged sitting or standing. Keep the shoulder in comfortable positions to avoid unhealthy stress. Overuse is the most common cause of shoulder pain, so pay attention to the right posture.  

Strengthening Exercises: Incorporate exercises in your routine that target shoulder muscles. Muscle strengthening provides stability and prevents injuries. Attempt to focus on both the front and back shoulder muscles. 

Overuse: Repeated overhead movements strain the shoulder muscles and often cause impingement issues with inflammation. When lifting or performing activities above the head, be mindful. Do it correctly and also take enough breaks if you feel stress in the shoulder. 

Proper Lifting Technique: Use both shoulders while lifting weights. Stay away from sudden and twisting movements.  

Warm-Ups: Light exercise or stretching before physical activity, especially activities involving lifting or throwing, is crucial. It prepares the shoulder muscles and soft tissue in advance, minimising the chances of injuries. 

Avoid Carrying Heavy Weight On One Shoulder: It leads to muscle imbalances and strain. Always make use of a backpack with two straps so the weight can be evenly distributed to both shoulder joints.

Conclusion

This post has amply explained that there are various reasons for shoulder pain. Thus, what is causing pain in your case has to be detected first. Without the accuracy of diagnosis, nothing can be done for effective treatment. Thus, for lasting relief and a pain-free life, consult a shoulder pain doctor in Delhi.

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