Arm and Shoulder Pain
One of the things that makes us unique is the fact that we have incredibly versatile arms and shoulders. Our arms, hands and shoulders all help us to manipulate and improve the world around us. Whether we’re doing our day to day activities like cooking, and cleaning, or enjoying our hobbies like sports and art, our hands, arms and shoulders do most of the lifting. No pun intended. However, that also means that arm and shoulder pain can severely affect your quality of life.
What Can Cause Arm and Shoulder Pain?
Like many other types of pain, arm and shoulder pain doesn’t just come out of nowhere. There is almost always a reason behind it. Knowing what can cause pain in this area can be very helpful at both preventing it and treating it in case it’s already there ruining your day.
The biggest cause of arm and shoulder pain is almost always going to be overexertion. The arms, hands and shoulders are some of the most actively used parts of your body. As we’ve said earlier, you use all three of these body parts to manipulate the world around you. Intense physical activities, such as playing sports, and lifting weights in particular can cause this type of pain. Luckily though, arm and shoulder pain caused by overexertion tends to be short lived and is an unavoidable part of making your arms and shoulders stronger. However, the big problem is when it isn’t short lived.
Chronic pain in the arms and shoulders is definitely a reason to be concerned. Not only do you run the risk of the pain affecting your day to day tasks, you’re also at risk of an underlying condition causing it. For example, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can cause intense pain around your wrists that can persist for weeks on end.
What Can You Do About Arm and Shoulder Pain
Remember, you don’t have to just endure arm and shoulder pain. There are a number of great solutions and treatment options that you can take advantage of whenever you’re experiencing it.
Arm and shoulder pain caused by overexertion is fairly easy to treat at home. The biggest solution to it is just getting enough rest to let your body recover from it. This is incredibly important for anyone who’s into sports as letting your body heal itself will let you perform better the next time you’re on the field, and to avoid sports injuries that will make the pain even worse. Proper diet is also important when dealing with overexertion as your body uses its resources to heal itself from the temporary damage caused by it.
Chronic pain however, requires a much more involved process to treat arm and shoulder pain. This is why it’s important that you approach a medical professional to get a proper diagnosis and a proper treatment plan. Especially since most underlying conditions that cause arm and shoulder pain can cause serious and permanent damage the longer they’re left alone.
Arm and Shoulder Pain? Not a Problem with Active Family Chiropractic!
Having to constantly deal with arm and shoulder pain should never be the norm. But it can be tough to handle it on your own. This is why we’re here to give you a helping hand!
Our professional team at Active Family Chiropractic aims to give you treatments that are made to fit your needs. We’re always ready to welcome you with open arms and help you get over pesky arm and shoulder pain!
To relieve shoulder and arm pain, you can try resting the affected area, applying ice or heat packs, and doing gentle stretching exercises. Over-the-counter pain medications may also provide temporary relief. However, if the pain persists or worsens, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Conditions such as rotator cuff injury, shoulder impingement, or bursitis are common causes of pain from the shoulder to the arm. These disorders can be caused by repetitive overhead movements, sports, or degenerative changes in the shoulder joint. The pain may also be referred from the neck or upper back in some situations due to nerve compression or cervical spine abnormalities. A proper diagnosis by a healthcare professional is essential for determining the exact reason and developing an appropriate treatment plan.
The most effective treatment for shoulder pain is determined by the underlying cause and degree of the discomfort. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen, which are available over-the-counter, can help reduce inflammation and give brief comfort. A doctor may give stronger pain drugs, corticosteroid injections, or muscle relaxants for more severe or chronic shoulder pain. A healthcare expert should always be consulted for an accurate diagnosis and specific treatment plan for more severe cases.
The duration of shoulder and arm discomfort varies according to the source and personal circumstances. Mild discomfort caused by muscle strain or small injuries may resolve in a few days to a week with rest and home remedies in some circumstances. If the discomfort is caused by a more serious issue, such as rotator cuff tears or nerve impingement, it may linger for several weeks or months and necessitate medical attention, physical therapy, or even surgery. If the pain persists or intensifies, it is critical to seek medical attention to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment.
