Shoulder Pain

Shoulder Pain Treatment
in Hyderabad

The shoulder is a complex structure formed by two joints namely Glenohumeral joint (which is formed by ball and socket joint that is formed by the upper arm bone called humerus and shoulder blade called scapula)and second joint is Acromioclavicular joint (formed by collarbone which meets with a part of shoulder blade. The high mobility of these two joints allows for extreme movement of the shoulder, which can lead to instability or impingement of the soft tissue or bony structures, resulting in pain. A person may experience shoulder pain only while moving shoulder, or at all the time but seeking medical attention is required to prevent further damage.

Causes of Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can arise from a variety of factors and conditions. The most common causes include:

1. Rotator Cuff Injury
   The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that provide stability to the shoulder. Injury or tears (partial or complete) to these muscles can cause pain and restrict joint movement. Supraspinatus, one of the rotator cuff muscles, is frequently injured, especially in cases of falls or sports activities like golf or swimming.

2. Arthritis

   • Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis can affect the shoulder joint. Though less common than knee arthritis, shoulder arthritis can progress from mild pain to severe discomfort as the cartilage protecting the joint deteriorates, leading to restricted movement.

3. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
   When the shoulder capsule becomes inflamed due to injury, diabetes, or autoimmune conditions, it can cause severe pain and stiffness. As the condition progresses, the capsule may adhere to itself, restricting movement.

4. Bursitis
   Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones and tendons. When these bursae become inflamed, they can cause shoulder pain.

5. Shoulder Fracture
   Stress fractures in older individuals or fractures due to falls can lead to significant pain.

6. Ligament Injury
   Ligaments around the shoulder joint may become injured, leading to pain and inflammation.

7. Labral Tear
   The labrum is a thick cartilage structure that helps keep the shoulder joint in place. Injuries to the labrum, especially in sports, can cause pain and instability.

8. Acromioclavicular Joint Arthritis
   Direct blows to the shoulder can damage the acromioclavicular joint and lead to pain near the collarbone.

9. Impingement Syndrome
   Impingement occurs when tendons rub against bone, often due to injury or degeneration, leading to shoulder pain.

Symptoms of Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can manifest with various symptoms, including:

• Tenderness and warmth around the joint due to inflammation
• Inability to move the arm or shoulder freely
• Sudden swelling, redness, or weakness in the shoulder
• Neck pain and headaches that can mimic shoulder pain
• Nighttime pain and cramps in the shoulder
• Severe pain accompanied by dizziness and sweating, which may indicate a heart attack (requires immediate medical attention)

Diagnosis of Shoulder Pain

To identify the cause of shoulder pain, doctors conduct a thorough physical examination and may recommend imaging tests, such as:

• X-ray: To detect fractures, impingement, or bony outgrowths
• CT Scan and MRI: To detect rotator cuff injuries, labral tears, or ligament damage
• Dynamic Ultrasound Imaging: Effective in detecting rotator cuff strains, tears, and soft tissue injuries

Treatment for Shoulder Pain

For minor shoulder pain, resting the shoulder and avoiding movement can provide temporary relief. However, for more severe conditions, the following treatments may be considered:

1. Physiotherapy
   Physiotherapy can help with shoulder stiffness, weakness, and retraining proper movement patterns. Heat and cold packs may also provide relief.

2. Medications
   Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs, muscle relaxants) can manage symptoms. Long-term use of painkillers is not recommended due to potential side effects.

3. Regenerative Medicine

   • Stem Cell Therapy: Stem cells are injected into the injured area to repair tissues.
   • Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): Concentrated platelets from your blood are injected into damaged tissues to promote healing.
   • Hydrodissection: For frozen shoulder, saline or dextrose is injected to break fibrosis and reduce inflammation.

4. Surgical Options

   • Arthroscopic Surgery: Minimally invasive surgery for shoulder repairs.
   • Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Used in severe cases, but other less invasive options are often more effective.