The shoulder is the most flexible joint of the body. Just think about how much you can move your arms around and how important it is to have this range of motion in the shoulder joint.
Unfortunately, better flexibility also puts your shoulder at a higher risk of injuries or overuse problems. In fact, shoulder pain is a common problem caused by a variety of different conditions.
In this article, we’ll help you discover the most common conditions causing shoulder pain and reveal where you can get the best treatment for shoulder pain in Woodlands, TX.
Shoulder Anatomy
Before we get into what causes shoulder problems, we first need to cover the basics of shoulder anatomy. The joint consists of three bones: the humerus (your upper arm bone), scapula (your shoulder blade), and clavicle (your collar bone).
The shoulder is a bone and socket joint, as the humerus fits into the scapula. However, the ball part of the socket is not that deep compared to other joints, which permits an increased range of motion. There is an additional joint between the scapula and the clavicle, which is cushioned by a layer of cartilage.
In addition, the shoulder is surrounded by four muscles and tendons called the rotator cuff, which is essential for movement. However, the rotator cuff is the most injured area of the shoulder.
The Most Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
Although there are several causes of shoulder pain, rotator cuff tendonitis is the most common. This condition occurs due to injury, wear and tear, overuse, or degeneration of tendons in the rotator cuff. The tear can be partial or complete and requires professional medical attention for optimal recovery.
In addition to rotator cuff tendonitis, other causes of shoulder pain include:
- Bursitis
- Arthritis
- Bone spurs
- Dislocations
- Broken shoulder
- Frozen shoulder
- Bad posture
- Torn cartilage
- Pinched nerves
- Spinal cord injury
- Sports injuries
- Car accidents
- Falls
If you perform manual labor, play sports, or engage in other activities that include repetitive movements, you are more likely to injure your shoulder. For example, awkward falls, contact during sports, or simple wear and tear could all lead to shoulder pain.
How to Treat Shoulder Pain?
Some instances of shoulder pain can be resolved at home with ice and rest. However, injuries, falls, and intense pain require professional medical attention and accurate identification of the cause of your shoulder pain.
Treatment options depend on the severity and type of injury, and they include:
- Medications
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Shoulder immobilizer
- Regenerative medicine
- Surgery
When to Call a Doctor?
Keep in mind that sudden sharp pain in the shoulder could also be a symptom of a heart attack. Call 911 immediately, especially if you experience shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, or sweating.
You should visit a doctor about shoulder pain if:
- It persists for longer than two weeks after at-home treatment
- You have a fewer
- You experience swelling or redness
- You see skin discolorations
- You have a limited range of motion
Who Can Help Me Overcome Chronic Shoulder Pain?
Progressive Pain and Rehabilitation is a healthcare center located in Woodlands, TX, where you can overcome shoulder pain with the help of Dr. Edward Nash, Dr. Lawrence Nguyen, and Breanna Randolph. With our experience using regenerative medicine to treat chronic pain, we have helped countless people regain control of their lives. We can do the same for you!
Click on the button below to schedule a consultation.
346-220-8063