When to Worry about Your Shoulder Pain

When to Worry about Your Shoulder Pain A lot of us ignore shoulder pain, thinking it’s just leftover soreness from carrying a heavy laptop bag or using our arms too much. However, international statistics reveal that about 20 percent of adults suffer from shoulder pain. Dr. Ahmad Rashid, orthopedic surgeon at the German Medical Center explains, “The causes of shoulder pain can be broken down into articular, musculoskeletal, skeletal, and nerve pain. This pain can result from direct injuries such as Rotator Cuff tear, fractures, osteoporosis, arthritis rheumatism, and even inflammation of tendons and cystitis is some injuries that could cause a dull to severe ache in the shoulder.”

Diagnosis

According to Dr. Rashid, shoulder pain can be diagnosed under the supervision of a specialist in orthopedic diseases, through a series of clinical tests such as an ultrasound to help diagnose problems affecting joints, ligaments, and tendons; and X-Rays which can help detect problems in the bones and the inner part of the shoulder joint. Also, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to examine soft tissue such as tendons and ligaments. And finally, blood tests to help detect diabetes, cancerous tumors, and shoulder-induced malignancies such as polymyalgia rheumatica.

Treatment

In case of severe pain, Dr. Rashid recommends a visit to a specialist doctor for diagnosis and follow-up treatment to avoid activities that could further aggravate the pain. The treatment of indirect injuries and chronic diseases that could result in shoulder pain are based on an accurate diagnosis of the condition and can be treated through non-surgical means. Also, physical therapy and the use of pain and inflammation medicines may be used to reduce pain and improve shoulder movements. However, in case there is muscular and ligament ruptures and chronic inflammation of the cartilage, surgery may be an option advised by your specialist.