What Does Chronic Shoulder Pain Feel Like?
What Does Chronic Shoulder Pain Feel Like: A Comprehensive Guide
Shoulder discomfort is a common ailment that can disrupt the rhythm of daily life. To comprehend the intricacies of what does chronic shoulder pain feel like, it's crucial to understand the underlying causes, symptoms, and potential remedies.
Understanding Chronic Pain
Chronic pain refers to any discomfort persisting beyond the usual time frame for healing, typically considered to be three to six months. Chronic pain is persistent, often fluctuating in intensity, and can interfere with daily activities and overall quality of life.
What Does Chronic Shoulder Pain Feel Like?
What is Chronic Shoulder Pain?
Chronic shoulder pain is an extension of this concept, referring to constant discomfort in the shoulder region persisting beyond six months. This pain can be the result of various conditions, including rotator cuff disorders, adhesive capsulitis, shoulder instability, and shoulder arthritis.
Chronic Shoulder Pain: What Does it Feel Like?
Chronic shoulder pain can manifest in various ways, often depending on the underlying cause. Common sensations include:
Weakness in the shoulder
A dull aching or throbbing pain
Stiffness and decreased mobility
Soreness, particularly when moving the arm or shoulder
A popping sensation during certain movements
Sharp, stabbing pain, especially following an injury
In severe cases, the pain may cause disturbances in sleep and limit the ability to perform daily activities, signaling a need for immediate medical attention.
Diagnosing Chronic Shoulder Pain
When diagnosing chronic shoulder pain, healthcare providers consider the patient's medical history, symptoms, and perform a physical examination. Imaging studies, such as radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasonography, and computed tomography scans, may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis when the cause of pain remains unclear.
Common Causes of Chronic Shoulder Pain
Understanding the underlying cause of chronic shoulder pain is essential in determining the most effective treatment plan.
Rotator Cuff Injuries and Irritations
The rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint, is often implicated in shoulder pain. Inflammation, impingement, or tears in the rotator cuff can result in chronic shoulder pain.
Calcific Tendinitis
Calcific tendinitis refers to the formation of calcium deposits within the rotator cuff tendons, causing pain and swelling in the shoulder. This condition commonly afflicts middle-aged and older adults, particularly those with diabetes.
Adhesive Capsulitis
Adhesive capsulitis, or 'frozen shoulder,' is characterized by a thickening and stiffening of the tissues surrounding the shoulder joint, leading to pain and significantly reduced mobility.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, a condition where the cartilage cushion between the bones in the shoulder joint erodes, causing the bones to rub against each other, can lead to chronic shoulder pain.
Referred Neck Pain
In some instances, shoulder pain can stem from issues in the neck, such as cervical arthritis or disc herniations. This referred pain can mimic shoulder pain and may be accompanied by pins and needles sensation in the arm or hand.
Relief from Shoulder Pain
The primary goal in treating chronic shoulder pain is to provide relief from discomfort and restore function and mobility. Treatment options include physical therapy, over-the-counter pain relievers, corticosteroid injections, and in severe cases, surgery.
Preventing Chronic Shoulder Pain
Certain lifestyle modifications can help prevent the onset of chronic shoulder pain. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding repetitive shoulder movements or heavy lifting can play a crucial role in shoulder health.
Conclusion
Understanding what does chronic shoulder pain feel like is an essential step towards managing this condition effectively. If you're experiencing persistent shoulder pain, reach out to a healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan.
Remember, it's essential to listen to your body and seek medical help when needed. Chronic shoulder pain is not something you have to endure. With the right care, you can regain your shoulder health and return to your daily activities pain-free.
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Sources:
Harvard Health Publishing (2019). Ouch! Shoulder pain and how to treat it - Harvard Health. [online] Harvard Health. Available at: https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/ouch-shoulder-pain-and-how-to-treat-it.
Penn Medicine (n.d.). Shoulder Pain - 10 Common Causes and Treatment Options. [online] www.pennmedicine.org. Available at: https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/shoulder-pain.
The Physiotherapy Place (2017). Shoulder Pain That Won’t Go Away? Physio Tips For Speedy Recovery. [online] The Physiotherapy Place - Edinburgh. Available at: https://www.thephysiotherapyplace.com/news-feed/2017/2/8/shoulder-pain-that-just-wont-go-away [Accessed 3 Dec. 2023].
