Shoulder pain is a common problem that affects many people, limiting their daily activities and causing discomfort. Shoulder pain can affect anyone, from athletes to office workers.
About 2 million people in the United States seek medical treatment for shoulder pain each year. It can significantly impact a person’s lifestyle and generally make it difficult to perform simple tasks like lifting objects, getting dressed, or even sleeping.
There are many causes of shoulder pain, ranging from acute injuries to degenerative conditions, such as:
The most common causes of shoulder pain include rotator cuff injuries, bursitis, tendinitis, arthritis, frozen shoulder, dislocation, and fracture.
You should see a doctor if your shoulder pain is severe, lasts for more than a few days, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as swelling, redness, or a fever. Additionally, if you experience any loss of function or movement in your shoulder, it’s important to seek medical attention.
Shoulder pain is typically diagnosed through a physical examination, which may include range of motion testing, strength testing, and palpation of the shoulder joint. Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound may also be used to diagnose the underlying cause of the pain.
Home remedies for relieving shoulder pain include rest, ice or heat therapy, gentle stretching exercises, over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and using a sling to immobilize the shoulder.
Preventing shoulder pain involves maintaining good posture, avoiding repetitive overhead motions, maintaining a healthy weight, and engaging in regular strength and flexibility exercises that target the shoulder muscles.
Surgery may be necessary for shoulder pain if non-surgical treatments are not effective or if there is significant damage to the shoulder joint, such as a torn rotator cuff or dislocated shoulder. However, surgery is typically only recommended as a last resort after other treatments have been tried and failed.
Traditional treatments for a patient with shoulder pain may not always offer hope or be effective and can come with potential side effects. Fortunately, non-invasive regenerative therapies offer an alternative solution for shoulder pain.
For those who suffer from shoulder pain, exploring a balance of non-invasive regenerative therapies may offer the right tools to get relief and improve the quality of life.
At Adjustin Chiropractic in Quincy, IL, our specialty is personalized, board-certified care using cutting-edge techniques to address musculoskeletal injuries and promote healing while reducing pain. If you suffer from shoulder pain, contact us today.