Shoulder Pain – When is It Serious?
>> Jun 28, 2012
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Grating pain in the joint, tearing
or pinching pain in the muscle; shoulder pain can be incredibly debilitating.
Think of how many times a day you move your shoulders. It is one of the most
worked joints in our bodies so it is not surprising that
many people experience reoccurring shoulder pain.
Some shoulder injuries are little
more than a passing annoyance and some require medical attention to avoid
prolonged effects. It is can initially be difficult to know when you are
experiencing a niggling pain that will go away and when it may be a more
serious condition which requires medical treatment or shoulder surgery.
There can be many causes of shoulder
pain: incorrect posture while using a computer, performing repetitive tasks,
gym or sports injuries, clumsiness, arthritis, and whiplash. Many times we do
not even know how our shoulder injury occurred. Some things to consider
regarding your shoulder pain:
How
did the injury occur? When did the pain start? Your doctor will want to know how
the injury occurred. If you are unsure your shoulder pain may be the result of
repetitive strain or from incorrect posture at work. A desk, which is too tall
or a keyboard incorrectly positioned can strain your shoulders.
How
long have you had pain?
Sometimes an injury will repair itself with a little rest. Continuous pain,
which lasts a number of days, is a sign of a more serious issue. Your doctor
will want to know if you experience pain doing certain activities or also when
resting your shoulder.
Have
you tried over the counter pain medication or hot and cold compresses? Less serious injuries will often be
temporarily relieved by over the counter medications, rest and hot or cold
compresses. Continuous use of any medication is not encouraged and medical care
should be sort if any medication is being used to treat prolonged pain.
Do
you have a history of gallbladder problems, or is there a history of the issue
in your family? Gallbladder
issues can cause referred pain in the right shoulder. Your shoulder pain could
be an indicator of some other issue.
Are
you experiencing shortness of breath?
Sudden shoulder or arm pain can be a symptom of heart attack. If you experience
sudden shoulder or arm pain and shortness of breath you should seek medical
attention immediately.
If you are concerned about any
shoulder injuries or any shoulder pain you should always consult a medical
professional who can refer you to the relevant specialist.
Sharon Freeman is a surgeon who writes about Shoulder Surgery and health
information for companies like Kaliper Orthopedics.