Shoulder pain

Shoulder pain can be really limiting in everyday life. If you’ve ever had it, you probably know it!  When it occurs, it becomes necessary to specify the cause for adequate support. In this article, we discuss common causes of shoulder pain, as well as solutions to relieve them.

The shoulder: a complex, but more unstable joint

The shoulder is a joint that has very high mobility. Indeed, it permits the complex movements of the arm, which can move in all directions. Three bones meet each other and form the shoulder: the collarbone, humerus, and scapula. These are the five muscles of the rotator cuff that enable the movements of this important joint. These structures are of course connected by tendons and ligaments, which notably ensure their stability.

 

Moreover, speaking of stability, the shoulder is considered a more unstable joint than most other important joints in the body. Indeed, this is due to the way in which the bones mentioned earlier are slotted into each other. Indeed, the head of the humerus fits itself into the glenoid of the scapula, a rounded cavity. This shallow joint cavity is therefore a factor of shoulder instability, which increases risks of pain and injury. In such a context, muscles, tendons, and ligaments play a role that’s all the more important in the stability of the shoulder during movements.

Causes of shoulder pain

There are several causes and pathologies that can cause shoulder pain. Here are a few, explained in the tabs below:

Tendonitis occurs when there is inflammation of the tendons. Tendons are fibrous bands that connect the muscles to the bones within a joint. In the case of the shoulder, we are talking about rotator cuff tendonitis. This is a type of injury that can occur during physical activities that require repetitive arm movements, such as swimming or baseball. In addition, an activity that requires raising the arms above the head for an extended period of time can be at the origin of such an injury.

This is a type of injury that occurs when there is an elongation of the fibres of a muscle. This is often when the muscle in question has been used suddenly or too intensely. They often occur during sports practice, or because of a sudden movement or fall. A strain can affect almost all the muscles of the body.

We know the term “sprain” well, without necessarily knowing what it refers to. This is an injury that affects the ligaments, which are fibrous and resistant cords that connect the bones that make up a joint. They thus ensure its stability. Depending on the degree of the injury, the ligament may be simply stretched (mild sprain) or partially or completely torn (moderate to severe sprain).

This is a serious injury that occurs when the head of the humerus moves and exits its location, where it’s normally slotted in the shoulder blade. The shoulder may then appear deformed. It’s usually a very painful injury, which often occurs as a result of an accident such as a fall, or during the practice of a sport. Among the causes of pain mentioned in this article, this is without a doubt the most serious, since it’s an emergency to be treated without delay.

What are the solutions?

A few strategies can be applied when shoulder pain occurs in order to relieve it. As we mentioned, it’s important to specify the cause in order to orient the treatment of pain and potential injury.

Rest

Stop repetitive movements or sports that may be the cause of the pain.

Take analgesic and/or anti-inflammatory medications

Taking medication may be advised to reduce pain and inflammation in the days following an injury. However, it’s necessary to respect the indicated dosage as well as contraindications.

Apply ice within the first 48 to 72 hours

When the injury is more recent and there are signs of inflammation, such as heat and swelling, applying ice is beneficial. This helps reduce these symptoms. Application periods of 10 to 15 minutes per hour must be respected, but applications can be repeated several times a day. It’s essential to avoid placing ice directly on the skin to avoid burning it.

Apply heat

When the inflammation has reduced after a few days, heat can begin to be applied to an injury. This relaxes the muscles involved. In addition, heat causes the dilation of the vessels and promotes circulation. It therefore helps in the repair of damaged tissue.

Consult a healthcare professional

In the event of a musculoskeletal injury, seeking the advice of a doctor or physiotherapist is advised. This is particularly true when painful symptoms persist, despite treatment at home.

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If you suffer a shoulder injury causing pain, you can consider this solution to promote your well-being and help you get back to your activities.

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