Shoulder Pain

The shoulder is an extremely complicated joint and as such is prone to various types of injuries associated with wear and tear such as sport related injuries and also arthritis.

Occupational damage may also occur.

Bursitis (shoulder blade pain)

The area around the clavicle bone houses and above the shoulder joint itself houses what is called a bursa which is a pad that acts as a buffer and lubricates the area in order to allow smooth movements. The bursa itself can become inflamed and the tendon can become injured causing severe pain and discomfort.  This is especially noticed when the arm itself is raised. This also affects mobility of the shoulder itself.
 
Treatment

It is essential for the area to be treated with a combination of ice and heat to reduce the tenderness and swelling. An ice pack should be applied for the first few days in order to relieve the pain. Heat should then be applied in the form of a hot water bottle or hot shower to the affected area for a twenty minute period several times a day.

It is essential to improve mobility as soon as is reasonably practicable and this means even trying out small movements by raising your arm as far as you can and moving it from side to side. You should notice that you are able to increase the height you can stretch each day.

Shoulder pain and arthritis

Workers who carry heavy loads on their shoulders and athletes tend to develop arthritis of this area. The area that becomes inflamed is located around the acromioclavicular joint. This joint experiences very little movement but it is very susceptible to arthritis.

Frozen Shoulder/ Shoulder joint Pain

This occurs where there is inflammation of the joints around the shoulder causing them to stiffen and become painful on movement. Mobility may be severely restricted due to severe pain when moving.

Brain Tumors in Children

This type of pain is more prone to those who suffer from diabetes and those recovering form a stroke. In general terms the condition is rare.

Treatment

Again ice packs and gentle exercises aimed at becoming gradually more progressive is the key. Massaging of the shoulder and neck area is also a good way of decreasing tension and relieving pain. A few sessions with a chiropractor or osteopath may help and a course of acupuncture may be effective.