Why Does My Shoulder Hurt?

In around 300+ joints in the human body, the shoulder is the most movable joint. A group of four muscles and their tendons, known as rotator cuff, give the shoulder its wide range of motion.

Any kind of damage, swelling, or bone changes around the rotator cuff can drive shoulder pain. You may experience pain in your shoulder while lifting the arm above your head or moving it forward or behind your back.

What causes shoulder pain?

Various factors and conditions can contribute to shoulder pain and rotator cuff tendinitis is one of the most common causes among them.

This condition is characterized by swollen tendons. Impingement syndrome, in which the rotator cuffs get caught between the acromion and humeral head, is another common cause of shoulder pain.

Sometimes, the shoulder pain can be caused by another pain location in your body, such as the neck or biceps. This is known as referred pain. Referred pain generally does not get worse when you move your shoulder.

Some other factors which cause shoulder pain include:

● Inflammation due to a natural reaction to an infection or injury. It makes your shoulders hot, red, swollen and painful.
● any kind of damage in the muscles and tendons around the shoulder
● Muscle tension can develop between the neck and shoulder – often caused due to bad posture in the upper back or neck, especially during prolonged computer use or work activities.
● Inflammation can affect the bursa – a fluid-filled sac that typically facilitates the smooth movement of the muscles and tendons over the shoulder bones.
● Lastly, damage to the bones and cartilage may arise, due to the conditions such as arthritis.

What are the treatments available for shoulder pain?

The treatment of shoulder pain will rely on the reason and severity of the pain.

1. Painkillers

Simple painkillers such as paracetamol, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen tablets and gels, from a chemist or store can help. A pharmacist should be able to advise you on what would work best for your condition. But, do not use this treatment for more than 2 weeks without the permission of your doctor.

2. Heat/cold therapy

An ice pack may be helpful if your shoulder is painful after a minor injury or if it is swollen and warm to the touch. On the other hand, heat packs can help with the other types of shoulder pain, especially if your muscles are sore and tense.

3. Rest and Exercise

It’s important to keep yourself active, even if you don’t feel you can do much. If you make a good balance between the rest and activity, it should help stop your shoulder getting stiff. Do not try movements which really hurt you.

You may find it more comfortable to perform exercise after putting on an ice pack or taking painkillers.

4. Posture correction

Practice good posture at work or home to keep your shoulder muscles and tendons in their right positions.

When should you see a doctor?

Unless you have had a serious injury or sudden continued pain, you can treat your shoulder pain by yourself without seeing a doctor. If, after two weeks of treating yourself, the pain does not get better, you should see a doctor or physiotherapist.

In some specific conditions, you should see your doctor immediately, if:

● You develop serious pain in both shoulders
● Also, have pain in your thighs
● Feel feverish or unwell

These symptoms are the sign of a condition called polymyalgia rheumatica, which requires quick treatment.

Apart from this, if you experience a sudden pain in your left shoulder, it can be a sign of a heart attack. Call the local emergency number if you have sudden crushing pain in your shoulder, specifically if it runs from your chest to the left jaw, arm or neck, along with shortness of breath, dizziness, or sweating.