What You Should Know About Shoulder Pain: Causes and Treatments

Shoulder pain is a common issue that affects many people, regardless of age. The shoulder joint is one of the most mobile joints in the body, making it more prone to injuries and discomfort. This article will help you understand the main causes of shoulder pain, its symptoms, and available treatment options.

If shoulder pain is affecting your daily life, it is important to consult an orthopaedic surgeon for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

Several conditions can lead to shoulder pain. These include:

1. Rotator Cuff Injury

The rotator cuff consists of muscles and tendons that keep your shoulder joint stable. Injuries to the rotator cuff are common and can result from overuse, trauma, or degeneration with age. Rotator cuff tears can cause pain, weakness, and limited movement.

2. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Frozen shoulder occurs when the tissues around the shoulder joint become stiff and inflamed. This leads to restricted movement and significant pain. The condition usually develops gradually and may take several months to heal.

3. Shoulder Impingement

This condition happens when the tendons of the rotator cuff get trapped and irritated under the shoulder blade. Shoulder impingement is often associated with repetitive arm movements, such as those seen in sports or certain jobs.

4. Arthritis

Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, can affect the shoulder joint. This condition occurs when the cartilage between the bones wears down, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. Arthritis is more common in older adults.

5. Trauma (Fracture & Dislocation)

Shoulder dislocations happen when the upper arm bone pops out of its socket. This can occur due to a fall, accident, or sports injury. A dislocated shoulder needs immediate medical attention and can cause lingering pain even after treatment.  Sometimes a fracture may happen after a fall or direct impact to the shoulder.  A plain Xray is able to diagnose these conditions.

Recognising the Symptoms

The symptoms of shoulder pain can vary depending on the cause, but common signs include:

• Pain when moving the arm or shoulder
• Stiffness in the shoulder joint
• Weakness in the arm
• Swelling or tenderness
• Difficulty lifting objects or performing overhead tasks
• A popping or clicking sensation when moving the shoulder

If your shoulder pain persists for more than a few days, or if you experience severe pain or a sudden loss of movement, consult an orthopaedic surgeon immediately.

Treatment Options for Shoulder Pain

The treatment for shoulder pain will depend on its underlying cause. Most treatments focus on reducing pain and restoring shoulder function. Here are the most common treatment options:

1. Rest and Activity Modification

The first step in managing shoulder pain is to rest the joint and avoid activities that aggravate the pain. Modifying your activities can prevent further injury and give your shoulder time to heal.

2. Cold or Heat Therapy

Applying ice packs to the shoulder can reduce swelling and relieve pain, especially in the early stages of injury. Heat therapy, on the other hand, can help relax tight muscles and improve blood flow to the area.

3. Pain Relief Medication

Over-the-counter pain relief medications such as paracetamol or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help manage shoulder pain. In more severe cases, your doctor may prescribe stronger painkillers to reduce inflammation.

4. Physical Therapy (Physiotherapy)

A physiotherapist can design a rehabilitation programme tailored to your specific condition. Exercises will focus on strengthening the muscles around the shoulder and improving the range of motion. Physical therapy is particularly effective for conditions like rotator cuff injuries, shoulder impingement and frozen shoulder.

5. Corticosteroid Injections

If pain relief medication and physical therapy do not improve your condition, corticosteroid injections may be considered. These injections reduce inflammation in the shoulder joint and can provide relief from pain for several weeks or months. This is best accompanied with physiotherapy to prevent recurrence.

6. RFA – radiofrequency ablation

RFA is a minimally invasive procedure done through a small needle, used to relieve chronic pain (pain > 3 months duration) by targeting nerves that transmit pain signals. This is not a permanent procedure, the nerves can regenerate over time, potentially leading to a return of pain. 

In shoulder pain, RFA is often used in patients with persistent pain conditions like arthritis, rotator cuff injuries, shoulder impingement; especially when other treatments have not provided relief.  RFA can provide pain relief for months and sometimes up to a year or more.  If you are considering RFA, consulting with an orthopaedic surgeon can help determine if this treatment is suitable based on the source of your shoulder pain and previous treatment history. 

7. Surgery

In severe cases, where conservative treatments fail to provide relief, surgery may be necessary. Common procedures include rotator cuff repair, debridement, shoulder replacement, or arthroscopic surgery to remove damaged tissue. An orthopaedic surgeon will advise on the best course of action based on your condition.

Preventing Shoulder Pain

While not all causes of shoulder pain are preventable, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

• Warm up before exercising or engaging in physical activities.
• Avoid repetitive overhead movements when possible.
• Use proper techniques during sports or exercises that involve the shoulder.
• Strengthen the muscles around your shoulder to improve stability and support.
• Take regular breaks if your job requires you to do repetitive tasks.

Conclusion

Shoulder pain can be a debilitating condition that affects your quality of life. Identifying the cause of the pain and seeking appropriate treatment from an orthopaedic surgeon is crucial for a full recovery. By following proper treatment protocols and adopting preventive measures, you can manage shoulder pain effectively and get back to your normal activities.

If you are experiencing persistent or severe shoulder pain, do not hesitate to seek professional help. Early diagnosis and treatment can make all the difference in your recovery.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Maria Wong, please visit drmariawong.com and take the first step towards improving your child’s musculoskeletal health.