Steps To Take For Shoulder Pain Relief

Your shoulder is a highly complex joint that’s made from numerous tendons, ligaments, and muscles. These tendons, ligaments, and muscles work together in sync because of which you’re able to push, pull and lift things.

However, due to several reasons, your shoulder can get damaged, which can impact your posture and lead to other problems.

This blogs about the reasons that cause shoulder pain and the remedies for the same. So, if you are suffering from shoulder pain, read in full.

What is Shoulder Pain?

Shoulder pain is any pain or discomfort in the joints or muscles, tendons, and ligaments that surround the shoulder. Usually, the pain goes from your neck to your shoulder pain. And you might feel a tingling, burning, stabbing, or electric sensation around that region.

Signs and Symptoms 

Here are some common shoulder ache symptoms:

• Redness of Warmth in your Shoulder
• Back, Arm, or Neck Pain
• A Grinding, Clicking, or Popping Sound on Moving your Arm
• Weakness and Stiffness in Muscles
• Limited Range of Motion

Shoulder Pain Causes

Here are common shoulder pain causes:

• Bone Spurs in the shoulder region
• Arthritis in your shoulder joint
• Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa (fluid-filled sac) that ensures smooth joint moment.
• Tendinitis: It’s the inflammation of your tendons.
• Dislocation
• Tendon tear
• Shoulder separation
• Poor shoulder posture

Also check: Do you have a frozen shoulder? Check the symptoms.

How to Deal with Shoulder Pain?

Here’s what you can do for shoulder pain relief:

1. Cold Compress

Applying ice to your shoulder can help you lower the swelling and further help you with shoulder pain relief. Just bring an ice pack from the market, and apply it to the affected region for 20 minutes 5 times a day. And you should get significant relief from the pain.

2. Anti-Inflammatory Medicine

Rotator cuff injuries, arthritis, tendonitis, and similar conditions lead to inflammation which can cause a lot of pain. However, you can deal with this condition by using over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen, etc.

Piece of advice: While the above medications are easily available, it’s better to talk to your doctor before consuming them.

Also check: 9 foods that fight pain

3. Heat Therapy

If muscles or arthritis are causing pain in your shoulder, go for heat therapy instead of a cold compress. Heat therapy helps relax tensed muscles and thus soothe your shoulders. You can use anything from a hot water bottle, a heating pack, or a heated gel pack.

4. Compression

Sometimes compressing the shoulder can help you relieve the pain. You can use a medial elastic bandage or a shoulder wrap and tie it firmly around the affected region. However, make sure not to apply too much force, or you might end up obstructing the blood flow.

5. Muscle Relaxants

If you’re suffering from muscle spasms or muscle tension, you can opt for muscle relaxants. Common over the counter relaxants are baclofen, tizanidine, cyclobenzaprine etc. However, you’ll need a prescription from your doctor before you can purchase these medications.

Piece of advice: Muscle relaxants lead to drowsiness. So, make sure not to consume them before or while driving.

6. Take Ample Rest and Restrict Certain Movements

If you’re suffering from shoulder pain, you should refrain from doing movements that might aggravate your shoulder pain. However, that never means you should restrict the moment completely. It’s because some movement is important to keep your shoulder muscles flexible and strong.

Shoulder Stretches 

Here are some shoulder stretches that might help you deal with shoulder cramp/pain:

Overhead Shoulder Stretch

1. You can sit or stand to perform this stretch.
2. Whatever position you’re in, intertwine your fingers.
3. Bend your elbows and raise your arm above the head.
4. Squeeze your shoulder blades and move your elbows back.
5. Do this at least 20 times in one ago.
6. And repeat all the steps 5-10 times a day.

Pendulum Stretch

1. Stand and bend your waist.
2. Let the injured or aching side hang down.
3. Relax your neck.
4. Now move your arm in a circular motion up to 20 times.
5. Repeat 1-2 times a day.

When Is the Right Time to Visit a doctor?

You need to immediately see a doctor if:

1. You feel no relief even after consuming medications.
2. You can’t rotate or lift your arm properly.
3. You are suffering from a dislocation.
4. The pain is unbearable.

Wrapping Up

Your shoulder is an indispensable part of your body that helps perform several daily tasks and maintain your posture. So, if you are suffering from shoulder pain, try the above solutions or home remedies. And if they don’t seem to work, visit a doctor at the earliest.