Chronic Shoulder Pain

The shoulder joint is highly prone to injury. Shoulder pain can occur due to several reasons, and can be mild to severe depending on the cause. Sportsmen, especially, experience this condition on a frequent basis. Pain can be differentiated into acute (appearing suddenly) and chronic (lasting for a long time).

Causes

Injury is one of the most common causes. Any injury or trauma due to fall, accident, blow, etc., on the shoulder can lead to severe pain. Apart from it, following are the other causes of shoulder pain

Bursitis is a condition when the bursa or the sacs located in the shoulders get inflamed. It is a painful condition that can be caused due to repetitive use of the shoulder joints which results in irritation of the bursae. Pain, aching, swelling in the shoulder are the symptoms of this condition.

Arthritis is a condition that is characterized by inflammation and pain in the joints. Arthritis can be of two types: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Its exact cause is yet unknown. Movement of the shoulder, especially after being in the stationary position for a long time, can lead to severe pain.

The rotator cuff is a structure of tendons and muscles that connects the arm to the shoulder bone. An injury or tear to the rotator cuff can lead to deep shoulder pain. Rotator cuff injury occurs due to overuse of muscles, as in case of sportsmen. Rotator cuff injury is also one of the reasons for chronic shoulder pain at night.

Shoulder dislocation is another painful condition that leads to chronic neck and shoulder pain. It occurs when the arm bone (humerus) gets separated from the shoulder blade (scapula). One should note that shoulder dislocation and shoulder separation are two different conditions and the terms should not be used interchangeably.

Apart from the above mentioned causes, chronic and sharp pain can also be caused due to shoulder separation, muscle sprain, tendinitis, etc.

Treatment

One should consult a doctor if he/she experiences long-lasting and frequent pain in the shoulder. Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs can help in pain relief. Bursitis can turn chronic if left undiagnosed and untreated. The treatment of bursitis involves use of anti-inflammatory medications and using physical therapy.

Symptoms of arthritis can be treated with the help of anti-inflammatory medications. There are several methods for dealing with shoulder pain caused due to rotator cuff injury. In chronic cases, use of physical therapy and surgery may be advised to ease the pain.

Shoulder dislocation can be treated with the help of anti-inflammatory medications. In chronic cases, a surgery may even be required. There are several exercises that help in easing the pain. Using ice packs, massage, yoga, etc., also helps in pain relief.

Chronic pain in shoulder can be treated effectively, if timely treatment is undertaken. Hence, it is wise to consult a doctor as soon as one notices the symptoms. Take care!

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only and does not, in any way, intend to replace the advice of a medical professional.