Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain can be distressing and impact your daily life. Let’s explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options:
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Anatomy of the Shoulder:
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Your shoulders are complex joints where the upper-arm bones (humerus), shoulder blades (scapula), and collarbone (clavicle) meet.
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The shoulder joint’s ball-and-socket structure allows a wide range of motion but sacrifices some stability.
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Common Causes of Shoulder Pain:
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Arthritis: Inflammation of the shoulder joint due to wear and tear or autoimmune conditions.
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Muscle Strain: Overuse or sudden movements can strain shoulder muscles.
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Dislocation: The top of the arm bone may pop out of its socket, causing pain, weakness, and swelling.
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Separation: Injury to the joint where the collarbone and shoulder blade meet (the acromioclavicular or AC joint).
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Fracture: Broken bones in the collarbone or arm bone near the shoulder.
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Referred Pain: Sometimes, pain in the shoulder originates from other body parts.
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Symptoms of a Shoulder Injury:
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Stiffness, weakness, or pain while moving the arm.
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Feeling like the shoulder could dislocate.
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Deformity of the shoulder joint.
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Sudden swelling.
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Weakness or numbness in the arm or hand.
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Treatment Options:
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Self-Care at Home:
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Rest and ice for a few days.
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Elevation of the shoulder above heart level.
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Bandaging if needed.
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Professional Help Needed:
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Deformed shoulder joint.
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Inability to use the shoulder.
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Intense pain.
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Sudden swelling.
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Weakness or numbness in the arm.
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Preventing Shoulder Pain:
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Maintain good posture.
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Avoid lifting heavy objects overhead until pain improves.
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Strengthen shoulder muscles through exercise.
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Be cautious during sports or physical activities.
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