Shoulder pain is something that almost every person will experience at least once in life. You may not think about it when you are not in pain, but once it starts, you realize how much you rely on your shoulders.
Your shoulders help you complete daily tasks big and small, whether at home or at work or anywhere else. For this reason, your shoulders are prone to injury – which almost always comes with pain.
If you are experiencing shoulder pain, only a doctor can properly diagnose exactly what is causing it. Let’s go over five of the most frequent causes of shoulder pain:
Tendonitis
Also called rotator cuff tendonitis, this is an inflammation or irritation of the tendons in the shoulder area. It is usually the result of repetitive use of the shoulder, such as in athletes, transportation workers, and construction workers.
Tendonitis usually responds to rest and physical therapy. However, if shoulder tendonitis is not treated, it can become a chronic condition and cause constant pain.
Tendon Tears
Your shoulder tendons can tear partially or fully as a result of an injury or age-related degenerative disease. Tendon tears or rotator cuff tears usually cause severe pain, even while at rest. Range of motion is also affected. Using the affected shoulder and arm is discouraged in order to prevent further damage.
This type of shoulder injury requires medical attention. The earlier you have it treated, whether surgically or nonsurgically, the better the outcome and the faster it will heal.
Bursitis
Shoulder bursitis causes shoulder pain due to an inflamed bursa, which is a fluid-filled sac that reduces friction as the bones in the shoulder move around. When there is too much friction, the bursa can swell due to irritation.
The fluid in the bursa then becomes thick and lumpy, and it can also become infected. Shoulder bursitis is usually a result of an acute or repetitive-use injury of the shoulder.
Dislocation
A dislocated shoulder is usually brought on by a blunt-force trauma that results in the separation of the shoulder joint’s ball from the socket. Breaking a fall with an outstretched hand, being injured in a car accident, or playing in contact sports can lead to shoulder dislocation.
Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder is characterized by shoulder stiffness and chronic pain, and it can take many months or years before it resolves. This condition typically occurs when you have a pre-existing shoulder injury or condition in which you were not able to move your arm, such as recovering from surgery or a stroke. Treatment usually involves pain-relieving medication and physical therapy.
Shoulder Pain Treatment in North Dakota
You rely on your shoulders for a lot of things, and if you’re experiencing shoulder pain, know that you do not have to continue enduring the discomfort – there is treatment available. Here at The Bone & Joint Center, our orthopedic shoulder and elbow experts will evaluate your symptoms and order diagnostic tests for an accurate diagnosis of your condition.
If you would like to find out what can be done to find relief from your shoulder pain, contact our team today by calling us at (701) 946-7400 or (866) 900-8650, or request an appointment online now. We have many locations across North Dakota, and one of them is sure to be convenient for you. Let us help relieve your shoulder pain symptoms and get you back to the life you enjoy!
