Reasons for Shoulder Pain and Strategies for Relief

6 Causes of Shoulder Pain and How to Overcome Them

Written by Putri Ica Widia Sari.Date: updated 13/02/2024

Have you ever experienced pain or soreness in your shoulders? When your shoulder hurts, your ability to move freely may be hampered, especially if it is not treated immediately. 

Shoulder pain, both right and left, is a common problem that may occur due to various different factors. 

So, what are the causes and how to treat this musculoskeletal disorder? Check out the following explanation.

What causes shoulder pain?

The shoulder is a joint that combines tendons and muscles. The shoulders can make it easier for you to do various kinds of movements.

Therefore, disorders of the shoulder joint can cause problems with the movement system. 

This condition may only appear occasionally, but it does not rule out the possibility that you will experience it all the time without stopping. 

If so, you may need medical treatment to treat the pain. 

Treatment for this condition is usually determined based on the cause of the shoulder pain. Therefore, understand the following causes of shoulder pain.

1. Rotator cuff tear 

The rotator cuff is tissue that covers the upper arm. This tissue consists of four muscles and several tendons, so if it is torn it will cause pain in the shoulder. 

Usually, this pain will also be accompanied by weakness in the shoulder. This rotator cuff tear may only be partial, but it can be complete. 

People of all ages can experience this condition. However, as you get older, you become more susceptible to experiencing it. 

2. Tendinitis 

Tendinitis is a joint health problem that may cause shoulder pain. 

Usually, shoulder pain due to tendinitis occurs due to calcium deposits embedded in the rotator cuff tendons. 

This condition is more susceptible to adults and diabetes sufferers. Treatment can be done to reduce pain and maintain movement of the shoulder joint. 

3. Bursitis 

Overuse of the shoulder joint can cause inflammation and swelling of the bursae (bursitis). 

Bursae are small sacs filled with lubricating fluid that are located in joints throughout the body, including the shoulder joint. 

In the shoulder, this small pocket is located between the rotator cuff and the acromion, which is one part of the shoulder joint. 

If bursitis occurs, the tissue in the shoulder area can become inflamed and cause pain, even hampering daily activities.

4. Frozen shoulders 

According to Hackensack Meridian Health, frozen shoulder is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain. 

This condition, also known as adhesive capjualitis, is characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder. Symptoms of this condition appear gradually but get worse over time. 

Your risk of experiencing frozen shoulder increases if you have recently undergone a medical procedure or have a health problem that prevents you from moving your arm. 

Even though it has been resolved, it does not rule out the possibility that frozen shoulder will reappear. However, if it appears again, this condition will be felt on a different side of the shoulder. 

5. Osteoarthritis 

This type of arthritis is common in the knees and hips. However, osteoarthritis can also attack the shoulder joints, causing pain. 

This condition occurs when the soft bones that cushion the bones are eroded, causing friction between the bones. 

Osteoarthritis can be treated by resting, modifying your usual daily activities, and taking medication. 

These drugs include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroid injections. In some cases, the doctor may ask the patient to undergo surgery.

6. Broken bones 

Fractures that occur in the shoulder usually involve the collarbone, humerus (upper arm bone), and scapula. 

This condition can occur in people of various ages with different causes. 

For example, a shoulder fracture in an elderly person may occur due to a fall while standing. Meanwhile, in young people, shoulder fractures can occur due to serious injuries. 

For example, a motor vehicle accident or injury while exercising. Fractures can cause pain, swelling, and even bruising in the shoulder. 

How to deal with shoulder pain?

Basically, treating shoulder pain is adjusted to the underlying cause and the symptoms it causes. 

However, the following are some general treatments that can be done to treat joint pain.

1. RICE method 

First aid for mild shoulder pain can usually use the RICE method, as below. 

• Rest (Rest). Avoid strenuous activities or moving the shoulder for 48 hours after injury.
• Ice (Ice compress). Apply an ice pack to the injured shoulder for 20 minutes, 4-8 times a day. You can use plastic filled with ice cubes and covered with a towel, or use ready-made ice compresses available at pharmacies. 
• Compression (Pressure). Gently press the painful area to help reduce swelling. You can wrap your shoulder with a bandage to keep it stable. 
• Elevation (Raised). Ensure that the injured area is positioned higher than the heart.If you want to lie down, support your Keep the injured area raised above the heart. with a thick, soft pillow to support your position. 

2. Physiotherapy 

Physiotherapy or physical therapy is one of the main treatment options for shoulder pain which can be done by modifying daily activities that have the potential to increase pain.

This therapy will reduce problems such as stiffness and weakness in the shoulders. 

This activity also involves movement from several physical activities that are usually done, such as sports, work, and other activities that make you move your shoulders frequently. 

The aim of this therapy is that you can carry out activities or physical activity as usual.

3. Use of drugs

Shoulder pain can also be treated by using painkillers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or paracetamol. 

These medications can help control pain while you are trying to maintain and restore normal shoulder function. 

If you have a history of high blood pressure or heart disease and kidney problems, it is better to consult a doctor first before using these drugs. 

However, it is also not recommended that you take medication to treat shoulder pain in the long term.

If the methods above do not resolve your shoulder pain or in certain cases the pain does not go away, surgery or other medical procedures may be needed to help treat the condition you are experiencing.