How shoulder pain affects your whole body
Shoulder pain is one of the most normal complaints that patients experience, with over 50% of Americans reporting some degree of shoulder pain in a given year. This article will explore the causes and effects of shoulder pain.
The Anatomy of the Shoulder
The shoulder is a socket joint and ball at the top of the arm. The shoulder blade, or scapula, attaches to the upper arm bone (humerus). The shoulder joint is surrounded by three muscles- the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres major- which make up the rotator cuff. The shoulder joint is important because it allows for arm rotation at the shoulder blade – this is what will enable us to raise our arms overhead. The shoulder can become painful and unstable when damaged to any of these muscles or the rotator cuff.
There are many factors of shoulder pain and tingling in shoulder blade, but most cases can be attributed to a rotator cuff tear or a labral tear. A rotator cuff tear appears when one of the four muscles that make up the rotator cuff becomes injured. This can happen due to overuse, falls, or even heavy lifting. A labral tear is a more common cause of shoulder pain and occurs when one or more pieces of cartilage on either side of the shoulder joint become injured. Symptoms may include pain when extending or rotating the arm,
The Shoulder Joints
The shoulder joint is a socket joint and ball that allows the arm to be moved in all directions. The ball is located in the upper arm bone (humerus), and the socket is in the lower arm bone (radius). The shoulder joint is bony and cartilaginous.
Muscles, tendons, and ligaments surround the shoulder joint. These structures allow movement of the shoulder joint. The muscles, tendons, and ligaments surrounding the shoulder joint work together to lift your arm rotate your arm, and move your arm forward and backward.
The Elbow Joint
Shoulder pain can affect your whole body, not just your arm. The shoulder joint is a socket that allows the arm to move from the shoulder to the hand. This joint is made up of the upper arm bone (humerus), the scapula (shoulder blade), and the collarbone (clavicle).
The shoulder joint can be affected by several things, including arthritis, rotator cuff tears, and labral tears. These conditions can cause pain in other body parts, including the neck, back, and hips.
If you have shoulder pain, you must see a doctor determine the root cause. Treatment will vary based on the specific condition causing your pain, but a combination of medication and physical therapy will often help relieve it.
The Wrist and Hand
The pain can extend to your wrist and hand when you have shoulder pain. This is because the shoulder joint is located in the neck region, including the arm. The shoulder joint is injured, causing discomfort and tightness in this area. This can lead to problems with movement and function in your hand and wrist. Additionally, pain in your hand and wrist can be transmitted up your arm and shoulder.
The Lower Back
When you suffer from shoulder pain, your daily routine can be affected. You may find that you can’t do as much as you would like because of the pain, or you may have to take more breaks than usual. In some cases, shoulder pain can be so severe that it forces people to give up their jobs, hobbies, or activities altogether. Here are a few things that can happen when shoulder pain affects your whole body:
Difficulty Sleeping: If the pain keeps you up at night, it may interfere with your ability to get a good night’s sleep. This can lead to fatigue and other physical problems in the future.
Neck Pain: When you have neck pain due to shoulder pain, you might also experience headaches and difficulty swallowing.
The Importance of Shoulder Strength
Shoulder pain is one of the most general complaints. It affects people of all ages but is particularly common in adults over 50. The relieving news is that you can treat your shoulder pain in various ways. According to Chiropractor Mag, maintaining good shoulder strength is key to avoiding or reducing the severity of shoulder pain.
Here are some basic reasons why you should include shoulder strength training in your routine:
1) Shoulder strength helps reduce the risk of future shoulder problems. Strong shoulders can support the weight of your upper body and help prevent future injuries.
2) Shoulder strength can also improve your posture and reduce tension in your neck and back muscles. This can help reduce inflammation and pain in these areas and improve your overall quality of life.
3) Strong shoulders can help you carry heavier loads more quickly. This can make a big difference when it comes to your day-to-day productivity.
4) Improving your shoulder strength can also help you perform better at activities such as golf, tennis, or weight
Surgery for Shoulder Pain
Surgery for shoulder pain is a standard treatment option. There are many reasons why surgery may be recommended, including severe pain that doesn’t respond to other treatments, structural damage that is causing the pain, and persistent problems with movement.
Many different types of surgery can be done to treat shoulder pain, and each has its benefits and risks. The most commonly performed surgery is shoulder arthroscopy. This involves removing the damaged tissue and fixing the problem within the joint. An arthroscopy is an excellent option for people with significant pain and limited shoulder mobility. It’s also a good option for people who have recurrent shoulder problems.
Medications for Shoulder Pain
There are a few medications doctors may prescribe for shoulder pain. If the pain is severe, your doctor may prescribe an opioid such as oxycodone or hydrocodone. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are also commonly prescribed for shoulder pain; these include ibuprofen, naproxen, and Celebrex. Corticosteroids such as prednisone are also used to reduce inflammation. In some cases, a physical therapist may be necessary to help you learn how to best use these medications and adjust your activities to reduce pain.
Conclusion
Shoulder pain is a common problem, and often it can be challenging to determine the source of the pain. However, by understanding how shoulder pain affects your entire body, you can start to take steps to alleviate the discomfort. By looking at your position and movement, as well as considering any underlying health conditions or injuries, you might be able to identify what is causing your shoulder pain and begin taking steps to address it.