Why Is My Shoulder Pain Not Going Away? Causes and Solutions
Why Is My Shoulder Pain Not Going Away: Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Resolving Persistent Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain can undeniably be a hindrance in our day-to-day activities. But what if the pain persists and you find yourself constantly asking, "why is my shoulder pain not going away?"
Often, shoulder pain is thought of as an outcome of a sudden injury or strain. However, in many instances, shoulder pain can be a lingering issue, not correlated with any specific trauma. Persistent shoulder pain can be disconcerting and detrimental to your quality of life. This blog aims to aid your understanding of why your shoulder pain is not subsiding, and what you can do to alleviate it.
Understanding Shoulder Pain
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the human body. Comprising a group of four muscles and their tendons, known as the rotator cuff, the shoulder allows for a wide range of motion. However, this flexibility also makes it susceptible to various conditions that can lead to persistent pain.
Causes of Persistent Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain can result from damage, swelling, or bone changes around the rotator cuff. You may experience discomfort when lifting your arm above your head or moving it forward or behind your back. The most common cause is when rotator cuff tendons become trapped under the bony area in the shoulder. The tendons become inflamed or damaged, leading to a condition known as rotator cuff tendinitis or bursitis.
In some cases, the source of your shoulder pain may not be the shoulder itself. Problems in other parts of the body, such as the neck or lungs, can cause referred pain, which then radiates to your shoulder.
Common Shoulder Conditions
Several conditions can contribute to persistent shoulder pain. These include but are not limited to:
Rotator Cuff Injuries and Irritations: These occur when the group of muscles and tendons that help tether your shoulder into the socket and allow you to move it in a circular motion, become inflamed or torn.
Adhesive Capsulitis or Frozen Shoulder: This condition is caused by a thickening and stiffening of the tissues around the shoulder joint, typically developing in people aged 40 to 60.
Calcific Tendinitis: When calcium deposits get embedded within the rotator cuff tendons, it can lead to severe pain that often starts in the morning.
Osteoarthritis: This condition develops when cartilage cushions between the bones in the shoulder erode, causing the bones to rub against one another.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
A key sign that the pain in your shoulder is actually coming from your neck is when the discomfort radiates above your shoulder into your neck or below your elbow. This is often a sign of nerve compression or irritation, which is more common in neck-related issues.
Losing mobility or range of motion is also a common symptom associated with shoulder conditions. If you experience a stiff and painful neck alongside a lack of mobility in your shoulder, it's crucial to investigate your neck for potential underlying issues.
Why Is My Shoulder Pain Not Going Away?
Home Care Tips
If you are dealing with persistent shoulder pain, there are several home care tips that you can follow:
Apply ice on the shoulder area for 15 minutes, then leave it off for 15 minutes. Repeat this 3 to 4 times a day for 2 to 3 days.
Rest your shoulder for a few days before slowly returning to your regular activities.
Taking non-prescription anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help reduce inflammation and pain.
When to Seek Professional Help
Sudden left shoulder pain can sometimes be a sign of a heart attack. It is advisable to seek immediate medical assistance if you experience sudden pressure or crushing pain in your shoulder, especially if the pain runs from your chest to the left jaw, arm or neck, or occurs with shortness of breath, dizziness, or sweating.
It's also important to consult with a healthcare provider if your shoulder pain persists for more than 2 to 4 weeks, even after home treatment, or if it's accompanied by a fever, swelling, or redness.
Treatment Options
Treatment for persistent shoulder pain typically includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. If you have a rotator cuff problem, your healthcare provider will likely suggest self-care measures and exercises.
Preventing Shoulder Pain
Preventing shoulder impingement and other shoulder conditions often translates into staying active and performing regular exercises to expand your range of motion. These can counteract the effects of declining posture, which is often a contributing factor to shoulder conditions.
Conclusion
Dealing with persistent shoulder pain can be challenging and may significantly impact your quality of life. Understanding the potential causes, symptoms, and treatment options can be the first step towards finding relief. If you find yourself constantly asking, "why is my shoulder pain not going away?", it may be time to delve deeper and seek professional advice. Remember, it's essential to listen to your body and respond to its needs accordingly.
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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].
