back pain<\/a>. It\u2019s typically mild and does not require treatment, though depending on the curve, going to physical therapy or wearing a back brace can improve it.<\/p>\nTrauma<\/h3>\n
Muscle trauma is an injury to your muscle fibers and connective tissues due to a direct or blunt force. It typically causes localized pain, inflammation, and bruising. Muscle trauma is commonly associated with contact sports, falling, or vehicular accidents. The injury is generally mild, though severe tissue damage can prolong recovery.<\/p>\n
Gallbladder Removal or Disease<\/h3>\n
Shoulder pain can be a referred pain caused by gallbladder removal or gallstones.<\/p>\n
Laparoscopic Surgery<\/h4>\n
Commonly used for weight loss, pancreatitis, and cholecystitis, laparoscopic surgery removes your gallbladder. The most common symptom post-laparoscopic surgery is shoulder pain.<\/p>\n
Gallstones<\/h4>\n
Gallstones are hard particles formed in your gallbladder, commonly caused by a high concentration of cholesterol, calcium, or bilirubin in your bile. The symptoms of gallstones include an upset stomach, nausea, indigestion, and shoulder pain.<\/p>\n
Arthritis<\/h3>\n
Arthritis is a chronic condition causing pain, reduced range of motion, and stiffness in your joints, and it typically worsens with age.<\/p>\n
Shoulder arthritis occurs when your shoulder cartilage wears down, particularly in the ball and socket joint. Ankylosing spondylitis is arthritis of the spine, though this leads to pain in surrounding areas, such as your shoulder blades.<\/p>\n
Pulmonary Embolism<\/h3>\n
Pulmonary embolism is when blood clots from the legs travel to the lungs. The blood clots block the lung\u2019s arteries, causing shortness of breath and a sudden and sharp pain between your shoulder blades. If you are experiencing these symptoms, call 911 straight away.<\/p>\n
Heart Attack<\/h3>\n
Shoulder pain is a common sign of a heart attack, particularly for women. If you\u2019re having a heart attack, you may also have a shortness of breath or chest pain. If these symptoms occur together, seek medical attention right away.<\/p>\n
Aortic Tear<\/h3>\n
When the blood vessel connected to your heart ruptures or tears, it causes sharp pain in your upper back and shoulders, shortness of breath, and dizziness. Aortic tears can be deadly, so if you or a loved one have these symptoms, get to a doctor or hospital immediately.<\/p>\n
Cancer<\/h3>\n
Certain cancers, such as breast or lung cancer, cause pain between your shoulder blades. Breast cancer may spread to your bones, particularly your neck and spine, and cause pain between your shoulders. On the other hand, lung cancer causes referred pain in your shoulders from the lungs swelling.<\/p>\n
Shoulder Pain Treatment<\/h2>\n
Treating shoulder pain varies based on its cause. Before treatment, your doctor will determine the source of your problem to resolve it adequately. Possible treatments include hot and cold therapy, mild stretching, or prescription medication.<\/p>\n
Medication<\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or aspirin can relieve the pain between your shoulders. Your doctor may provide steroid pills or an injection to improve your pain and inflammation in some cases. They may also prescribe antidepressants or muscle relaxers to soothe your body.<\/p>\n
Stretching<\/h3>\n
Daily stretching can improve circulation in your shoulder muscles and joints, increasing your mobility and potentially reducing pain. It\u2019s always important to stretch after exercising to prevent injuries, tight muscles, and strains.<\/p>\n
Exercise<\/h3>\n
In addition to stretching, regular exercise is vital for your overall health and wellbeing, but it can also strengthen your upper back, abdominal muscles, and shoulders. By strengthening your muscles, you can relieve and prevent pain.<\/p>\n
Rest<\/h3>\n
Sometimes, overworked muscles just need to recuperate and repair themselves, especially if you\u2019re always completing repetitive motions or pushing your body beyond its limits.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t completely cut out physical activity, as being sedentary is counterproductive. Instead, limit your aggressive exercise and try completing gentler aerobics, including walking or light stretching.<\/p>\n
Hot and Cold Therapy<\/h3>\n
Heat and ice therapy may relieve your discomfort and pain. \u00a0Try hot baths, saunas before bed<\/a>, or heat pads for hot treatment and using cooling sprays, ice packs, or ice baths for cold remedies. Hot and cold gels are easily accessed over-the-counter.<\/p>\nFor heat or ice, conduct the treatment in 15 to 20-minute increments. Be sure to take 2-hour breaks between treatments so as not to shock your skin.<\/p>\n
Physical Therapy<\/h3>\n
Your doctor may refer you to physical therapy. There, the physical therapist will evaluate your pain and teach you specific exercises and stretches to improve your symptoms. Your physical therapist may also perform ultrasounds, electrical stimulation, or conduct hot and cold or light therapy<\/a> if needed.<\/p>\nWhen to Contact a Doctor<\/h3>\n
Reach out to your doctor as soon as possible if:<\/p>\n
\n- Your pain is severe<\/li>\n
- Your arms or hands are numb<\/li>\n
- You cannot use your shoulder or arm<\/li>\n
- Your shoulder is swollen<\/li>\n
- Your pain lasts longer than 12 weeks<\/li>\n
- You were recently injured, potentially by falling, playing sports, or a vehicular accident<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Your doctor may ask questions regarding your medical history before completing a physical examination and suggesting treatment options. Your doctor may recommend surgery for severe cases, though nearly all treatments are nonsurgical.<\/p>\n
When to Seek Medical Attention<\/h3>\n
Call 911 immediately if your shoulder pain is paired with any of the following symptoms:<\/p>\n
\n- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing<\/li>\n
- Chest pain<\/li>\n
- Lightheadedness<\/li>\n
- Coughing up blood<\/li>\n
- Pain or swelling in legs<\/li>\n
- Loss of vision<\/li>\n
- Irregular heartbeat<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
This is a sign of a medical emergency and must be tended to as soon as possible.<\/p>\n
How To Prevent Shoulder Pain<\/h2>\n
You can take steps to prevent shoulder pain, muscle strain, and soreness:<\/p>\n
\n- Avoid reaching overhead frequently<\/strong>: Avoid straining your body to reach high places as much as possible. If you can, use a step stool or ladder when needed and try to keep items in more easily accessible locations.<\/li>\n
- Maintain good posture<\/strong>: When at work or school, do your best not to slouch and keep good posture. You might consider using a seat cushion to help improve your posture when seated. Additionally, don\u2019t sleep in strange positions as it can leave your shoulders sore.<\/li>\n
- Use a high-quality mattress<\/a><\/strong>: Along with not sleeping in awkward positions, on an old or a lumpy mattress leads to shoulder pain and affects your sleep. By investing in a mattress for shoulder pain<\/a>, your body\u2019s pressure points (including your shoulders) are better cushioned, in turn preventing pain during the day.<\/li>\n
- Don\u2019t overexert your muscles<\/strong>: If you\u2019re sore, don\u2019t push yourself and fight through the pain as it\u2019ll only worsen and cause injuries. Also, don\u2019t lift heavy objects or push your body beyond its limits. If moving big boxes or heavy furniture, get assistance.<\/li>\n
- Prioritize healthy living<\/strong>: Staying in good physical shape prevents potential injuries, so be sure to exercise regularly and eat a well-balanced diet. As suggested by the\n