|
Seeking Help for Shoulder Pain
A Complex Joint
Your shoulder is the most complex joint in your body. Because of its complexity, it provides versatility of movement that is unmatched by other joints. Unfortunately, the shoulder is also one of the joints most susceptible to overuse, disease, and injury. Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
Persistent pain in your shoulder and loss of mobility can have a number of causes. One cause is bursitis which occurs when the bursa (the small sac of fluid located near the joint) becomes swollen and tender. Another cause is shoulder impingement — a condition in which the rotator cuff (comprised of tendons and muscles that surround and stabilize the joint) becomes damaged from overuse or from an injury, such as a torn ligament. Damage to the cartilage — the smooth tissue that prevents friction as the bones move against one another — also can occur in the shoulder joint. This damage is often caused by degenerative arthritis and can produce pain, swelling, stiffness and cracking of the joint. Other forms of shoulder pain can be caused by injury, such as a dislocation, or by overuse. Symptoms That You Shouldn’t Ignore
Shoulder pain and loss of mobility are sometimes caused by minor injuries that heal easily with self-help measures, such as resting, placing ice on the affected area and using over-the-counter medications to reduce pain and swelling. In most people, however, the pain and loss of mobility will be persistent, recurrent or severe. Symptoms of a shoulder problem that require medical intervention include: - Pain that radiates over the shoulder and into the arm or awakens you from sleep.
- An inability to move the shoulder or arm.
- Stiffness, swelling or popping of the joint.
- Pain that becomes sharper during movements such as pushing, pulling, and reaching overhead.
Because most causes of shoulder pain will continue to progress unless treated, it is important to seek medical intervention early. Diagnosis and Treatment
To diagnose the cause of shoulder pain, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and conduct a physical examination to check for tenderness, weakness, instability and loss of motion. An x-ray or other diagnostic tests may also be needed to determine the extent of the damage. Once the cause of your shoulder pain has been identified, your doctor will recommend a treatment plan designed to eliminate or reduce symptoms and improve mobility. The treatment program for shoulder pain may include: - Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and alleviate pain.
- Injections of steroids directly into the joint to provide long-lasting symptom relief.
- An exercise program to strengthen the rotator cuff and improve flexibility.
Non-surgical techniques are effective in most cases. In some patients, however, surgery may be needed to repair damage to the rotator cuff and/or shoulder joint. Depending on the cause, location and extent of damage, your doctor may elect to perform the surgery using traditional "open" techniques, or he may want to use minimally invasive or "arthroscopic" techniques.
In arthroscopic surgery, the physician will insert a tiny video camera and operating instruments into the joint through several small incisions in the skin. The camera allows your doctor to view his work on a monitor, while the small instruments allow him to remove or repair damaged tissue. Open surgery is often used to repair damage to soft tissue, such as muscles and tendons, while arthroscopic surgery may be recommended for use in repairing damage to the joint. If surgery is necessary, your doctor will discuss the option that is best for you.
|
