- trauma (fall and, consequently, fracture of the bone elements of the shoulder joint, dislocation, overstrain as a result of too intense or not preceded by warm-up exercise),
- degenerative changes (premature or naturally occurring with age),
- prolonged immobility (immobilization for too long after a fracture, a sedentary lifestyle, lack of physical activity, contracture after a burn),
- diseases of the joints, muscles and tendons (including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout).
Painful shoulder syndrome – risk factors
There are several factors that may predispose you to Pain Shoulder Syndrome:
- sedentary lifestyle,
- lack of warm-up and proper preparation before performing a given exercise / activity,
- incorrect technique of performing physical exercises,
- long-term immobilization of the shoulder,
- work in an uncomfortable position,
- posture defects (especially regarding the shoulder girdle),
- chronic diseases affecting the joints, muscles and tendons (rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), gout),
- nervous system diseases, cancer,
- numerous scars in the shoulder area (e.g. burn scars).
Painful shoulder syndrome – symptoms
Painful shoulder syndrome is characterized by pain, which may sometimes be accompanied by swelling. Additional symptoms that may manifest in the course of shoulder pain syndrome include:
- inability to raise a limb above a certain level,
- bouts of strong, stabbing pain in the shoulder,
- night pains, often making it impossible to fall asleep, especially intense in the position when the person is lying on the sick shoulder,
- inability to perform even basic movements in the affected shoulder (no possibility of combing, clothes or washing).
Painful shoulder syndrome – research
The diagnosis of the shoulder pain syndrome is based primarily on taking a medical history and a thorough physical examination. The doctor may also order an X-ray of the shoulder or cervical spine. Sometimes ultrasound of the shoulder joint is helpful in diagnostics.
The mere statement of ZBB is usually not difficult. The essence of the problem is to identify the reason why the team developed at all. It is for this purpose that the doctor conducts the above-mentioned tests.
It is worth asking your doctor how to modify your lifestyle while you are ill. First of all, are there any activities that should be limited? How to dose your pain and inflammation treatments? There will probably be many more questions to ask. The key is not to be afraid of asking them. The doctor is there for the patient and at the moment serves him with his knowledge as well as he can.
An early visit to the doctor will help to solve the problem quickly. This will prevent possible future chronic shoulder problems. Ignoring the problem will only extend the treatment time and may lead to complete stiffness of the shoulder joint (no possibility of making any movements).