You probably don’t think much about your shoulders until one of them starts hurting. Brushing and drying your hair, reaching behind your back to tie a bra, or grasping something above might all feel impossible with shoulder ache.
As you become older, you’re more likely to suffer from shoulder discomfort caused by a range of common diseases. The pain can be slight to intense, and it can come on gradually or suddenly.
The following are some of the most frequent ailments you may experience, as well as some advice on how to deal with them.
What should you do if your shoulder hurts?
When you have shoulder discomfort, it’s not always easy to pinpoint the source. Problems in other sections of the body might sometimes be the source of discomfort that extends to your shoulder. Certain neck disorders, such as arthritis and disc herniations, can cause this.
In general, if you are in a lot of discomfort or suspect you have hurt yourself, you should visit a doctor straight once to have your shoulder ailment diagnosed.
However, if you have generalized, minor shoulder discomfort, consider modifying your activities, taking acetaminophen or an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine, and performing gentle exercises to see if the pain goes away on its own. However, if the discomfort is worsening or you should consult your doctor.
Injuries and irritations to the rotator cuff
The rotator cuff is a set of muscles and tendons that hold your shoulder in place and allow you to rotate it in a circular motion. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery, around two million people seek medical attention each year for rotator cuff disorders (AAOS). The majority of rotator cuff issues come into one of two categories: rips or inflammation.
If you suffer discomfort or stiffness in your shoulder when you lift your arm over your head to brush your hair or reach behind your back, you may have a rotator cuff issue. You won’t be able to accomplish many of your favorite tasks, such as place dishes in an upper cupboard, play tennis, or prune your garden.
Impingement of the rotator cuff. A rotator cuff impingement occurs when the tendons or bursa (the fluid-filled sac that rests between bones) of the shoulder become irritated, inflamed, or compressed. An impingement can be caused by an injury, but it can also be caused by normal wear and tear.
The goal of treatment is to alleviate discomfort while preserving shoulder range of motion. Anti-inflammatory medicines, corticosteroid injections, and physical therapy are all options. If the discomfort is severe or chronic, your doctor may advise you to have the deposits removed surgically.
Capsular adhesion. Adhesive capsulitis, often known as frozen shoulder, is caused by a thickening and rigidity of the tissues around the shoulder joint. It usually appears in persons between the ages of 40 and 60. Frozen shoulder affects more women than males, as well as persons with specific medical issues such as diabetes, high cholesterol, or thyroid disorders.
Frozen shoulder can develop as a result of a rotator cuff impingement, a tendon tear, or even a small accident. However, it is unclear why some people get a frozen shoulder. As a result of those issues, someone with shoulder discomfort may hesitate to move their arm, resulting in extra pain and stiffness. As a result, moving the shoulder may become nearly impossible for weeks or months.
According to the AAOS, the condition usually goes away after a while, although it can take up to three years. Frozen shoulder is sometimes treated with physical therapy. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, corticosteroid injections, and, in certain situations, surgery are other options. However, in most situations, nonoperative therapy is effective.
Osteoarthritis. People often associate osteoarthritis with the knee and hip, which are major locations of arthritic pain. However, while osteoarthritis affects the shoulder less frequently, it is not uncommon. When the cartilage cushions between the bones of the shoulder degrade, the bones scrape against one another, causing the syndrome to develop. Rest, activity changes, anti-inflammatory medicines, corticosteroid injections, and, in certain situations, surgery are among therapies for osteoarthritis.
While it may be tempting to stop moving while experiencing osteoarthritis pain, doing so might actually aggravate the condition by allowing the muscles to stiffen and shorten. This may make it much more difficult for you to move the way you want to.
If your doctor allows, performing basic stretches two to three times per week (see “Simple shoulder stretch exercises”) will help maintain your muscles supple and prevent discomfort. Simple stretches for the shoulders, Shoulder stretch while seated, Stretches the shoulder primarily.
Reps: 2–4 10–30 seconds of holding
Start by sitting up straight in a chair. Place your left hand on your right sleeve. With your right hand, cup your left elbow. Roll your shoulders down and back, then extend your left arm and gently draw your left elbow over your chest. You should feel a stretch in your left shoulder. Hold. Return to your starting position and repeat on the other side. This is one repetition. Triceps stretch while seated, Stretches primarily the back of the upper arm and the shoulder.
Reps: 2–4 10–30 seconds of holding
Sit up straight at the start. Put your right hand on your right shoulder. Clasp your left hand around your right elbow. Lift your right elbow up toward the ceiling to the point of stiffness while keeping your shoulders down and back. Feel the stretch in your upper right arm and shoulder. Hold. Return to your starting point. Rep on the opposite side. This is one repetition. Chest stretch while seated, Stretches the chest and shoulders primarily
Reps: 2–4 10–30 seconds of holding
Starting position: Sit up straight on a chair with no arms, looking sideways. Roll your shoulders forward and back. Clasp your hands behind you, fingers intertwined, palms facing you. Lift your hands toward the ceiling until they are tight. Feel the stretch across your chest and at the front of your shoulders. Hold. Return to the starting position slowly.
Disclaimer: No information on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used to replace direct medical advice from your doctor or other trained practitioner.
