How Serious is Your Shoulder Pain?

If you’re suffering from shoulder pain you’re not alone. Shoulder pain is regarded as one of the most frequently reported non-traumatic complaints that arise from the upper extremity (neck, arms & shoulder) area. An estimated 27% of Americans suffer from non-traumatic shoulder pain at any given time. And the Harvard Medical Review estimates that "up to 70% of people will experience shoulder pain" at some point. The majority of shoulder pain complaints are attributed to overuse rather than specific trauma. Many patients are surprised to learn that upper extremity pain and injury is the second most common cause of occupational injury claims.

Your shoulder is a unique multi-axial joint capable of complex movement and manipulating heavy loads. Its frequent everyday use to perform complex movements, manipulate heavy loads and perform  repetitive movements during work, sports, exercise and nearly anything we humans do. As such, it is subject to a variety of painful conditions such as adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder), arthritides (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, etc.), as well as more common issues such as joint instability due to muscle fatigue/weakness, inflammation, impingement syndromes or acute injury.

It’s common that patients report living with the pain and discomfort for too long because they:

• Believe their shoulder pain will just go away if they ignore it long enough;
• Didn’t know they can feel better;
• Are busy and have little time to devote to taking care of themselves;
• Previous treatment didn’t work or didn’t last and;
• Didn’t know who is going to give them the best results.

If not addressed, shoulder conditions may lead to more serious issues such as frozen shoulder or SLAP tears. It’s vital to seek care before your condition evolves into chronic pain and debilitating loss of mobility.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Urgent care is needed if you have sustained a traumatic or injury - especially if there is severe bleeding, potential broken bones, swelling, discoloration, or other acute symptoms.

Shoulder pain may also be a symptom of a heart attack. Call 911 immediately if your shoulder pain:

• Appears suddenly without a reason
• is sudden or sharp
• is accompanied by dizziness
• is accompanied by shortness of breath
• extends or radiates from your chest to the left jaw, arm, or neck
• is accompanied by chest pain or chest tightness

Trauma or Overuse?

Shoulder injuries are primarily categorized as ‘traumatic’ or ‘overuse’. If your shoulder pain began as a mild ache and/or stiffness, rather than the result of a specific traumatic event, it's most likely an overuse injury.

Overuse shoulder injuries develop over time as the result of repetitive use. Patients typically report ignoring the warning signs at first because the pain and stiffness began mild with the intensity growing over time. You should schedule an examination as soon as possible if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Continuous shoulder pain lasting more than 3 weeks (if not resulting from trauma)
• Stiffness or pain with shoulder movement
• Numbness in the arm or hand
• Limited or reduced shoulder function
• Ongoing shoulder weakness or fatigue
• Feeling as though the shoulder socket is loose
• If you heard or felt a ‘pop’ that resulted in pain
• If you feel/hear a grinding or tearing sensation when using your shoulder

Recommended Treatment Options

Conservative, non-invasive and drug-free therapies are recommended as primary treatment approach for soft-tissue shoulder injuries. Chiropractic therapy, physical therapy, rest and strengthening exercises are the recommended treatment method for most shoulder conditions. In fact, the NIH reports that "The effects of surgery plus physiotherapy compared to physiotherapy alone on improving pain and function are too small to be clinically important." This is true in the short term (3 & 6-month check ups) as well as long term follow up (1, 2, 5 and 10-year).

Dr. Dukes and her team use a multifaceted approach to treat shoulder pain that typically employs several of the following techniques:

• Myofascial release
• Stretching
• Functional and strengthening exercises
  
• Scapular mobilization
• Ischemic compression
• Manipulation
  
• Massage therapy
  
• PEMF Therapy
• Cymatic Therapy

Common Causes of Non-Traumatic Shoulder Pain

Shoulder tendinitis is typically an overuse response to repetitive motion. It’s common among laborers and athletes. Those with that lift with improper form, awkward balance or poor posture are at greater risk because they place excessive stress on shoulder tissues and tendons.

Bursitis can cause stiffness and swelling in addition to a general ache in the shoulder. It may be irritating when you apply pressure to the shoulder or move it. This occurs when the small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion and protect bones, tendons, and muscles become inflamed. It is most commonly due to overuse due to repetitive motions.
shoulder, injections to reduce more severe inflammation or surgery. Surgery is rarely needed in the treatment of bursitis.

Rotator cuff tears are common and typically occur as a result of wear and tear due to overuse or from sudden trauma. Your arm may feel weak or fatigued and the pain tends to be a dull achy feeling that worsens if you sleep on the affected shoulder.

Frozen shoulder most often occurs because shoulder movement has been limited due to a medical procedure, ignoring a shoulder condition or some other factor that prevented normal shoulder movement over time. The condition gradually worsens, causing pain and potentially extreme joint stiffness with loss of mobility. Recovering mobility typically takes 12 to 18 months of specific therapy. Frozen shoulder symptoms present in three phases (1) Freezing – Concurrent pain and limited range of motion that worsens over time; (2) Frozen – Extreme stiffness often results in highly limited mobility; pain symptoms may be reduced during this stage; (3) Thawing – Mobility slowly improves over time.

Conclusion

Your body is an incredible healing machine. Early treatment and intervention will help avoid more extensive damage as well as improve your healing trajectory.
If you're struggling to find relief, Dr. Dukes can help. She'll listen to you, find the root cause of your pain, then help you chose the best course of care for you.
Call today! ​​(813) 752-2524 Schedule your consultation with Dr. Dukes and experience the difference for yourself.