Shoulder Pain overview

What is shoulder and neck pain, and how does it manifest itself?

Muscles, bones, nerves, arteries, and veins, as well as ligaments and other supporting structures, can all be found in your neck and shoulders. Neck and shoulder pain can be caused by a variety of things. Some are life-threatening (e.g., heart attacks and major trauma), while others are not (such as simple strains or contusions).

What are the causes of neck pain and what are the risk factors?

Neck pain is a rather common medical problem. Neck pain can be caused by a variety of ailments and diseases, and it can affect any of the neck's tissues. Degenerative disc disease, neck strain, neck injury such as whiplash, a herniated disc, or a pinched nerve are all typical causes of neck pain. Neck pain can result from common diseases, such as a viral infection of the throat, which causes swelling of the lymph nodes (glands) and neck pain.

See More : Shoulder Pain: What Causes It and When Should You Be Concerned (Bursitis & Beyond)

What is the source of shoulder and neck pain?

· Injury to the soft tissues, such as the muscles, tendons, and ligaments inside these structures, is the most prevalent cause of shoulder and neck pain. Whiplash or other injuries to these locations can cause this. Degenerative arthritis of the neck's spine (cervical spine) can squeeze nerves, resulting in neck and shoulder pain. Cervical spondylosis (degenerative disc disease) can produce local neck pain or widespread pain from disc herniation, squeezing nerves (cervical radiculopathy). Neck and shoulder pain can also be caused by abnormal diseases involving the spinal cord, heart, lungs, and some abdominal organs. Some instances are as follows:

· Collarbone fracture: Your collarbone might be broken if you fall on your outstretched arm. When cyclists fall off their bikes, this is quite prevalent.

· Bursitis: A bursa is a sac that sits over the joints and acts as a cushion for the muscles and joints. After an injury, these bursae can become bloated, stiff, and painful.

· Heart attacks can generate "referred" pain in the shoulder or neck, despite the fact that the problem is with the heart.

· Broken shoulder blade: A broken shoulder blade is usually the result of a relatively violent trauma.

· Injuries to the rotatorcuff: The rotator cuff is a collection of tendons that support the shoulder. These tendons can be injured during lifting, playing sports that require a lot of tossing, or after prolonged use. This can progress to shoulder impingement syndrome, which causes pain when moving the shoulder, and eventually to a chronic decrease of range of motion in the shoulder (frozen shoulder).

· Separation of the shoulders or the A-C: Ligaments connect the collarbone (clavicle) and shoulder blade (scapula). These ligaments can be strained or torn as a result of shoulder trauma.

· Sudden acceleration or deceleration, such as in a car collision, can cause injury to the ligamentous and muscular tissues of the neck and shoulder. Muscle spasms in the neck and shoulders are also a possibility.

· Tendonitis is the inflammation of the tendons, which connect the muscles to the bones. Tendons can swell and produce pain when they are strained. Tendinitis is another name for this condition.

· Gallbladder illness might result in pain that radiates to the right shoulder.

· Any cause of inflammation beneath the diaphragm can result in referred shoulder pain.

What factors put you at risk for shoulder and neck pain?

Athletic activity, hard lifting, throwing, transporting baggage or other big things, and aging are all risk factors for shoulder and neck pain.

What are some of the indications and symptoms of shoulder and neck pain?

· Pain: Although all pain appears to be severe, it can also be dull, scorching, crampy, shock-like, or stabbing. Pain can cause stiffness in the neck or shoulder, as well as a decrease of range of motion. It's possible that you'll get a headache. Your doctor is interested in the characteristics of each symptom since they may reveal information about the origin of your discomfort.

· Weakness can be caused by extreme pain caused by muscle or bone movement. The nerves that feed the muscles, on the other hand, may be damaged. True weakness (muscle or nerve injury) must be distinguished from inability or reluctance to move due to pain or inflammation.

· You may not be able to feel things normally if your nerves are pinched, damaged, or cut. This might result in a burning or tingling sensation, as well as a lack of sensation or a sensation that feels like your arm is "falling asleep."

· A cold arm or hand indicates that the arteries or veins, or both, have been wounded or obstructed. This could indicate that the arm isn't getting enough blood.

· A blue or white hue to the skin of your arm or shoulder could indicate that the arteries or veins have been harmed. Infection or inflammation can cause redness. There may be rashes as well. It's possible that you'll see some bruising.

· Swelling: This can be generalized to the entire arm or specific to the structures implicated (a fracture area or an inflamed bursa, for example). Muscle spasms or stiffness can imitate the appearance of edema. A bloated appearance or, ironically, a sunken area can result from a dislocation or deformity.

· If you have a fracture or a dislocation, you may develop a deformity. The incorrect placement of the bone structures might be caused by ligament rips.

When should I go to the doctor if I'm having shoulder or neck pain?

If your pain or other symptoms intensify, call your doctor or go to a hospital emergency room very once.

· Basic home care methods (see below) are sufficient for milder instances until your doctor can visit you.

· Simple injuries, such as strains and bruises, often heal on their own and do not necessitate a visit to the doctor.

· An assessment by a health care specialist is recommended for persistent shoulder or neck pain.

· You should go to a hospital emergency department right away if you experience severe or worsening pain, weakness, numbness, coolness, deformity, or color changes.

· If you develop a high fever (over 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit), severe headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, or sweatiness, or if you develop sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body, call 911 for emergency services and an ambulance to the nearest emergency department.

What types of doctors deal with shoulder and neck pain?

Primary care physicians, such as general practitioners, internists, and family medicine doctors, as well as orthopedists, neurosurgeons, rheumatologists, neurologists, and physiatrists, treat shoulder and neck pain. Physical therapists and chiropractors are ancillary health care providers that treat shoulder and neck pain.

How do doctors determine the cause of shoulder and neck pain?

For most injuries, a thorough history and physical examination are typically sufficient to determine the diagnosis. Depending on the source of your injury, the location of your pain, or your other symptoms, your doctor may order a number of tests. X-rays, an electrocardiogram (ECG), blood tests, and CT scans are among the possibilities.

· X-rays: If you experience soreness to the touch along the bony portions of your spine or shoulder, a history of substantial trauma, deformity in the area, or your doctor suspects a disorder involving your heart or lungs, you may need these.

· If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, and risk indicators for a heart attack, an electrocardiogram may be ordered (such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or tobacco use).

· Blood tests may be ordered if you have chest pain, shortness of breath, and risk factors for a heart attack (such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or cigarette use), or if your doctor feels an underlying condition is causing the symptoms.

· When X-rays are difficult to read or suggest a fracture, more detail is needed, or other structures are considered to be the source of pain, a CT scan may be used (possibly the large artery known as the aorta leading from the heart or the lungs).

· MRI: While an MRI is not always necessary during an initial examination, it can be useful in monitoring chronic pain and failure to react to simple treatment options.

What can you do at home to relieve shoulder and neck pain?

Minor injuries with only minor pain can be managed at home. If you don't know where the pain is coming from or what's causing it, or if your symptoms suggest you might have a more serious problem, you should see a doctor very once.

· Rest: For the first two to three days, use the injured area as little as possible, then gradually begin to exercise it. This expedites the recuperation process.

· Ice: Put the ice in a plastic bag, wrap it in a towel, and apply it to the wounded region every hour for 15-20 minutes. Ice should not be applied directly to the skin.

· Elevation: Keeping the damaged area elevated above your heart helps to reduce swelling. This alleviates your pain. Prop yourself up with pillows.

· Swelling and pain can be controlled with acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).

· Heat: Do not use heat in the first week after an accident since it can worsen your discomfort by increasing edema in the affected area.

What are the medical options for treating shoulder and neck pain?

Following a thorough medical history and physical examination, a treatment plan will be devised (and any tests, if indicated). Treatment choices differ depending on the condition. A simple strain is obviously addressed differently than a heart attack.

· If you have a small sprain or strain, you should expect to receive a variety of treatments:

o Medications for pain: Using acetaminophen (Tylenol) with or without an anti-inflammatory drug such ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) or naproxen may take many days to relieve pain (Aleve). Although stronger narcotic-containing drugs are rarely required, your doctor may prescribe them for the first few days.

o Immobilization can be achieved with the use of a splint, cast, or sling. It's critical to follow your doctor's directions for using these devices, especially when it's suggested that you stop using them and start moving the region.

o Rest and elevate the afflicted region as much as possible. Continued usage of the wounded area may not make the injury worse, but it can make the symptoms last longer. Within typical ranges of motion and without weight or strain, modest use is usually permissible.

o If your injury is more serious, you may need to be admitted to the hospital for additional testing or referred to an orthopedist (a bone and joint specialist).

Is it necessary to follow up after shoulder and neck pain treatment?

You will recover faster if you return to your doctor on a regular basis and follow his or her instructions. Gradual exercises and/or physical therapy rehabilitation can eventually be employed to aid recovery and prevent further damage.

What can I do to keep shoulder and neck pain at bay?

· Examine your home for any risks and fix them to lessen the risk of an accident.

· Shoulder and neck exercises can help to lower the chance of injury.

· To lessen the risk of injury when undertaking dangerous chores, have someone with you. When mounting a ladder, for example, have someone hold the ladder's base to prevent it from sliding to either side.

· Be aware of your limitations. Do not engage in activities for which you lack the necessary training, skills, tools, or strength.

· To reduce injuries, wear seat belts and other safety devices.

What are the chances of shoulder and neck pain getting better?

Because sprains and strains are the most common causes of neck and shoulder pain, you can expect a full recovery or a recovery with modest restrictions on your activities.

Hospitalization, surgical repair, physical therapy, and other rehabilitative procedures may be required in some cases. It's possible that your recovery will be complete or limited. Because some illnesses are chronic or persistent, you should have a treatment plan in place to learn how to cope with and adjust to any restrictions.

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source : medicinenet

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