Common symptoms of shoulder pain can manifest as both occasional occurrences and chronic conditions. The appropriate treatment depends on the specific cause and underlying factors. Treatment options may include medication, physical therapy, and surgery.
Common Shoulder Pain Symptoms
Shoulder pain is a common condition that can occur intermittently or chronically, depending on the cause and underlying condition. It may present as pain that occurs at certain times or as constant discomfort. Some shoulder pain caused by specific conditions may resolve on its own, while others may persist. Chronic shoulder pain can manifest as symptoms of frozen shoulder, arthritis, or calcific tendonitis.
What are the Causes of Chronic Shoulder Pain?
Shoulder pain, often accompanied by limited mobility and discomfort, frequently occurs in individuals who overuse their arms or employ improper lifting techniques. However, there are also instances where shoulder pain occurs spontaneously without a known cause.
This pain is typically the result of inflammation around the outer area of the shoulder joint, involving the rotator cuff, bursa, synovial fluid, and the muscles surrounding the joint. This inflammation leads to stiffness and restricted movement in the shoulder. Shoulder pain is more prevalent in women due to certain behaviors, such as carrying heavy bags, wearing high-heeled shoes, or sitting for extended periods.
Characteristics of Chronic Shoulder Pain
Chronic shoulder pain can be persistent or episodic. Some individuals may experience ongoing pain, while others may find relief on their own. Pain is often felt in the muscular area surrounding the joint during movement. Pressing on the shoulder joint and moving it may elicit pain, depending on which muscle bundle is being compressed. This can result in inflammation of the joint capsule or the muscle bundle passing through the bone. In severe cases, the patient’s ability to move the shoulder joint may be significantly limited.
Complications of Chronic Shoulder Pain
Chronic shoulder pain can lead to various complications. For example, if a calcium deposit dislodges and enters the synovial fluid sac beneath the bone, it can cause inflammation. Another complication is the tightening of one of the muscle bundles surrounding the shoulder, which can make it difficult to lift the arm. This may result in symptoms similar to a stroke, known as pseudo-stroke. The joint capsule may also become stiff and contracted, leading to a frozen shoulder. The affected arm may experience muscle atrophy and limited mobility due to pain. These complications can occur frequently or be associated with other diseases that restrict arm movement, such as breast tumors or heart muscle necrosis. Additionally, partial strokes or isolated arm strokes may also occur.
Chronic Shoulder Pain Treatment
There are several treatment options for chronic shoulder pain, including topical medications, physical therapy, and, in more severe cases, anesthesia and surgery. If symptoms persist for a long time and significant damage occurs, surgical intervention may be necessary to release adhesions formed in the shoulder joint. This procedure is performed by specialists in orthopedic and joint surgery.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of chronic shoulder pain should consult a specialized physician for accurate and appropriate treatment. Timely treatment can help reduce persistent pain, minimize the risk of disability, and improve the patient’s quality of life.
At Phayathai Sriracha Hospital, our specialized physicians in orthopedic and joint surgery provide consultation and treatment every day.
Common symptoms of shoulder pain include both occasional occurrences and chronic conditions. The appropriate treatment depends on the cause and underlying condition, and may include medication, physical therapy, and surgery.
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