The human shoulder is an amazing piece of machinery. No other joint is as complicated or allows as much range of motion. As a consequence, the number of injuries and conditions that affect the shoulder region are equally numerous. Orthopedic specialists have been trained to know the difference between conditions which otherwise look and feel the same. The right diagnosis combined with the right treatment equals recovery from nearly any shoulder ailment.
Acute Injury
The ball joint at the end of the upper arm is larger than the containing shoulder socket. Muscles, ligaments and tendons work together to keep the arm firmly in place. Because of this arrangement, the shoulder is more susceptible to injury than most other joints. Sports injuries are particularly common. Baseball pitchers know first-hand the delicacy of the shoulder's architecture. In fact, nearly any repetitive motion that puts strain on the shoulders can eventually lead to an injury of the soft tissue.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a general term for the breakdown of protective tissues between bones. As these tissues wear down, pain and inflammation increase. Most people suffer some level of arthritis within their lifetimes. Osteoarthritis, the most common kind of arthritis to affect the shoulder, generally develops in middle age and becomes worse with time. Sports or work injuries can lead to an earlier onset of arthritis symptoms. The pain of arthritis may lead the sufferer to use the joint less, although this often results in stiffening and loss of motion. Both medication and physical therapy can usually control the symptoms of arthritis.
Bursitis
Bursae are small sacs of fluid that provide cushioning between bones and the overlying tendons and muscles. In joints that experience a lot of repetitive motion, these sacs can become swollen and inflamed. The resulting condition, known as bursitis, affects the shoulder more often than any other joint. The treatment for bursitis includes resting the joint and taking anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen or naproxen, as needed for pain. Bursitis can typically be relieved within a few weeks. Unfortunately, recurring bouts of the condition are a possibility.
Tendinitis
Tendinitis results from a pinching of one of the tendons in the shoulder. The tendon becomes inflamed and swollen, and the patient experiences discomfort in the joint. Pain in the shoulder gradually becomes worse, and range of motion is restricted. Both overuse and acute injury can precipitate an episode of tendinitis. Like bursitis, allowing the affected joint to rest is essential to speedy recover. Anti-inflammatory drugs, ice packs, and mild physical therapy and strengthening exercises also help the body repair itself after an injury to the shoulder tendons.
Frozen Shoulder
A condition primarily affecting women aged 40 to 60, frozen shoulder is caused by a breakdown of the smooth lining of the shoulder joints. The tissue becomes scarred and painful to move. Doctors don't understand the cause of this condition, but frozen shoulder is treatable. Early detection makes recovery much faster, as does correct initial diagnosis. A misdiagnosis leading to improper treatment can actually make the condition worse. Cortisone injected directly into the joint, along with gentle physical therapy, can resolve frozen shoulder in a couple months. Without treatment, the condition can linger for two years or more.
Prevention and Treatment
Regular stretching and strength exercises can both protect the body from injury and speed recovery from a past injury or general wear and tear. Arthritis sufferers can noticeably reduce their pain and discomfort with the proper exercise routine. When stiffness is present in the shoulder, it can be difficult to summon the motivation to get it moving. However, exercise and stretching improve both the physical and mental state of an individual, and don't have the side effects associated with medications.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Shoulder Pain
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Shoulder Problems
- MSNBC.com Health: Painful 'Frozen Shoulder' Puzzles Doctors
- University of Washington Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine: Home Exercises for the Stiff Shoulder
- Medline Plus: Shoulder Pain
- MayoClinic.com: Bursitis
