After going for hikes three times in just a month, I was suffering from extreme back pain.
I tried some immediate solutions to relieve shoulder pain. However, they didn’t work quite well.
After consulting a chronic pain specialist, I got some excellent results.
Later on, it got me thinking. How can someone have remedies for shoulder pain in less time?
There are different types of shoulder pain. When your remedy doesn’t work, it indicates you have chosen the wrong option.
So, to understand how to relieve shoulder pain, you should understand:
- What type of pain do you have
- Exactly what causes it
Of course, professional help is the priority. I will strongly suggest that you get that if you have the option.
Here, I will discuss different types of shoulder pains, the reasons, and how you can get rid of the pain in easier ways.
So, let’s get started.
4 Types of Shoulder Pain
Generally, there are different types of shoulder pain, and the variations depend on the source and cause of the pain.
However, according to medical science, there are four different types of shoulder pain. Let’s see how he explained the types of shoulder pain.
Arthritis
Arthritis in the shoulder is just like an old, weathered door hinge. Over time, this hinge gathers rust, gradually rendering it stiff and creaky.
Similarly, arthritis creeps into the shoulder joint, impeding its smooth, effortless movement. Just as oil can ease a rusty hinge, proper care, medication, and lifestyle adjustments can soothe the discomfort of arthritic shoulders.
Frozen Shoulder
Imagine your shoulder as a spirited individual locked in a straitjacket. In the case of a frozen shoulder, invisible bonds tightly constrict your shoulder’s mobility.
Your arm feels imprisoned, and even the simplest tasks become daunting challenges. Much like a straitjacket restricts freedom, a frozen shoulder restricts movement, making it a constant struggle to regain flexibility.
Labrum Tear
Visualize the labrum as a safety net that surrounds and cushions your shoulder joint. When a labrum tear occurs, it’s as if this protective net has frayed in some areas.
Just as a safety net safeguards circus performers from falls, the labrum shields your shoulder joint. When it tears, it erodes confidence in your shoulder’s stability, making you hesitant and cautious in your movements.
Rotator Cuff Injury
Just picture the rotator cuff muscles as a harmonious quartet within a symphony orchestra, each playing a pivotal role in producing beautiful music – your shoulder movements.
A rotator cuff injury is like one of these musicians falling out of tune or refusing to play. The result? Discordant, painful movements like an orchestra losing its harmony.
It’s as if the symphony of shoulder motions becomes a challenging struggle when the rotator cuff is injured.
5 Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
You must know what causes the above four types of shoulder pain, right? Some other reasons can be the culprit as well. Those are as follows:
Tendonitis
Tendons in the shoulder can become inflamed because of repetitive overhead motions or acute injuries. It’s similar to a rope that frays when pulled too hard, leading to pain, tenderness, and difficulty raising the arm.
Bursitis
The bursa sacs cushion and reduce friction between bones. They can become inflamed and painful. Imagine your shoulder as a squeaky door that needs oiling; bursitis is like the irritation that makes it squeak.
Impingement Syndrome
Impingement syndrome happens when the rotator cuff tendons get pinched between the bones in the shoulder. It’s like a sandwich press for your tendons, causing pain, specifically when raising your arm.
Fractures
A broken collarbone (clavicle), upper arm bone (humerus), or shoulder blade (scapula) can result in severe pain and limited mobility. It’s just like cracking a piece in a complex jigsaw puzzle.
Nerve Compression
Pinched nerves, like the brachial plexus or cervical spine nerves, can radiate pain into the shoulder area. It’s like a traffic jam on the nerve highway, causing discomfort and weakness.
Besides, pain from another area of the body, like the neck or heart, can be felt in the shoulder.
Poor posture, excessive computer use, or carrying heavy bags can strain the shoulder muscles and contribute to pain as well.
How to Relieve Shoulder Pain?
So, when you learn what type of shoulder pain is irritating you, you need to take the necessary measures to get rid of it.
Here, I have added some ways to relieve shoulder pain of various types that might help.
Arthritis-Related Solution
- Try non-prescription pain relievers to manage pain and inflammation.
- Physical therapy to strengthen the shoulder muscles can help.
- Heat and cold therapy can provide relief.
- Lifestyle modifications like maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding repetitive overhead activities are essential too.
Also, in severe cases, your doctor may recommend corticosteroid injections or, in extreme cases, surgery.
Frozen Shoulder-Related Solution
- Physical therapy to regain range of motion is a must.
- Gentle stretching exercises to alleviate stiffness can be relieving.
- Try pain management with over-the-counter or prescribed medications.
- Heat therapy relaxes muscles and improves blood flow.
In some cases, a doctor may recommend corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation. You may need to use some painkillers as well.
Labrum Tear-Related Solution
- Rest and avoid activities that worsen the pain.
- Physical therapy to strengthen the surrounding muscles will be helpful.
- Pain management with medications can be needed.
In the worst cases, you might need surgery. But in most cases, prescribed medicines and painkiller sprays or gel help get rid of this type of pain.
Rotator Cuff Injury-Related Solution
- Make sure to rest and avoid activities that aggravate the injury.
- Physical therapy can be helpful to improve strength and range of motion.
- Pain relief through medications or corticosteroid injections can be needed.
Just like the previous type, surgery may be required to repair the rotator cuff. But, surgery is a rare medication unless the damage is worse.
Shoulder Pain Prevention Tips
Prevention is always the best idea before treatment. So, if you manage to prevent this pain, you don’t need to look for remedies.
Well, shoulder pain prevention is all about your lifestyle modification. Every measure is so easy. Overall, they have numerous benefits for your health.
However, let’s see how to prevent shoulder pain by modifying your lifestyle.
- Practice proper posture while sitting, standing, and walking. Keep your shoulders relaxed, and avoid hunching forward or rounding your upper back.
- Focus on exercises that target the rotator cuff muscles and upper back, promoting shoulder stability and reducing the risk of injury.
- Before engaging in any physically demanding activities or sports, warm up your shoulder muscles with gentle stretches and range of motion exercises.
- You should be picky and choose the best backpack for shoulder pain.
- When lifting heavy objects, use your legs and core muscles rather than relying solely on your shoulders.
- If you work at a desk, maintain an ergonomic workspace with a chair and computer setup that supports good posture.
Besides, you should look over your sleeping posture. Your body weight is not on your shoulder at any cost.
Wrapping Up
Well, mine was rotator cuff tendonitis. It is all about the Inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons because of repetitive arm motion.
Hopefully, you can also direct what type of pain is irritating your body.
Still, my topmost suggestion is to see a doctor if you feel severe pain.
Don’t forget that ignoring the pain in the shoulder can result in the need for surgery when the condition is out of control. Besides, your lifestyle modification is more important so that you can prevent this pain at a fast pace.
So, just try to live a healthy life and don’t forget to hike or do other activities while being sincere.