09 May How to Prevent Shoulder Pain

The shoulder is made of several joints that combine with tendons and muscles which allow the function and extensive range of motion in the arm.  We use our arms frequently, whether it be in sports or even just scratching your back. However, mobility has its price. The frequent motion may lead to increasing difficulties with shoulder instability, which results in pain.  Our orthopedist in Valley Stream has the experience and expertise to help the specific condition at hand.

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain may be caused by many factors. Most shoulder injuries are caused by strenuous exercise, sports, or lifting heavy objects. The frequent force put on the shoulder can create large amounts of friction and stress on the ligaments and joints, resulting in pain. The most common causes of shoulder pain include:

•      Arthritis

•      Tendonitis (tendon inflammation)

•      Instability

There are several types of arthritis, however, the most common type of shoulder arthritis is called osteoarthritis. Common symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain, stiffness, and swelling. This develops mostly with sports-related or work injuries or the chronic wear and tear.

Tendonitis is caused by the inflammation of a tendon, which is a cord that connects muscle to the bone. Tendonitis can either be acute or chronic. Acute tendonitis is caused by frequent over the head motions, such as throwing a ball. Chronic tendonitis caused by degenerative disease or age. The four rotator cuff tendons are the most commonly affected tendons in the shoulder.  The rotator cuff is vital for providing shoulder motion and stability.

Shoulder instability is an effect of a sudden injury or overuse.  It is when the crown of the upper arm bone is dislocated out of the socket.  Once the shoulder becomes dislocated, the ligaments, muscles, and tendons surrounding the shoulder become loose. This can cause recurring dislocations which weakens the shoulder muscles and tendons.

At Home Remedies for Shoulder Pain

There are several at home remedies that can be done to help alleviate shoulder pain.  These remedies include:

• Rest the injured area. Minimize the amount of activity using your shoulders. Then gradually begin to do light exercises to work the muscles.
• Hot and cold compresses to relieve the pain and reduce any swelling.
• Neck stretches. Sit up straight with feet flat on the ground and slowly release your chin to your chest until you feel the stretch in your neck. Lean the head to the right and left to stretch both sides of the shoulders.

If your shoulder pain is severe and chronic, come visit our orthopedist in Valley Stream. If other treatment options have not worked for you, surgery may be the best option for your shoulder pain. Contact our office today for more information on our services.