Different Types of Shoulder Pain Explained
Pain in the shoulder is a commonly reported sensation among adults. However, the type of pain people experience is not always one and the same. Different shoulder injuries bring about different forms of discomfort. Shoulder pain can either be chronic or acute as determined by a specialist. Acute shoulder pain can occur when we overstretch a muscle, ligament, or tendon. Chronic pain will develop over time. Additionally, your body may react more swiftly to pain and experience sensation in other areas such as arms, neck, and back.
Please note: If you are currently experiencing severe pain, you should seek medical attention immediately as you may have a dislocated shoulder.
The following are the types of common shoulder pains and from where their respective symptoms stem.
Radiating Pain
Pain in the shoulders can move down to the arm and up to the neck. Radiating pain is often felt when resting or moving arms. Those with arthritis tend to experience a pain that often feels like discomfort in the back, especially when they exercise more heavily or overuse their arms such as weightlifting and swimming. Moreover, swelling within the socket of the joints can lead to tightness or random spasms of the muscles. Radiating pain is a combination of issues with the nerves and muscles.
Burning Pain
This unpleasant feeling can also be felt in your neck and travel down your back. Usually, this type of pain is related to issues with your neck and nerves. The central nervous system sends out information to the peripheral nervous system to control movement, such as when and how to move. It also has sensory signals to the peripheral nervous system, which may result in a sharp and hot feeling pain. Symptoms range from pins and needles to weakness, numbness, and tingling.
Achy Pain
Injuries such as a fall, blow to the shoulder, or a sports-related injury may result in feelings of achy shoulder pain. A rotator cuff tear, for example, occurs when people repeat the same shoulder motions, causing a tear in the tissue. Symptoms of a rotator cuff tear include pain in the shoulders, typically at night, as well as stiffness in the morning. You may also experience muscle weakness that makes it difficult to lift your arm. Achy pain can also include symptoms of frozen shoulder. Frozen shoulder is the inability to move your shoulders and tends to be more common in people with diabetes and low thyroid. As with all chronic shoulder pain, it’s important to seek medical attention so that a doctor can accurately diagnose and treat your symptoms.
Learn More About Shoulder Pain Today
For information on how to treat these symptoms, please contact Sun City Orthopaedic today. Our doctors specialize in rehabilitation for shoulders as well as sports medicine. We will explore treatments that provide you with comfort and overall improvement in your body. Connect with us today to learn more.