Theory of Pain -- shoulder Pain

At some point in life, most people have some sort of bout with shoulder pain. Many different things may cause this pain and it can take different forms. If you are experiencing extreme and chronic shoulder pain, it is advised that you contact a medical professional as soon as possible.

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

Trauma

Most shoulder pain and discomfort in younger people is called by some sort of trauma. In many cases, this force comes from strenuous activities, such as sports or heavy work. Usually, the trauma will either be caused by a a twisting or pulling of the shoulder. In some instances, some type of blunt impact is the culprit.

Age, Disease and Wear

The body is just like any machine: it wears out over time. The smoothness of the joints moving together may be replaced with a little friction as the body secretes less lubricants. Degenerative diseases work to wear down muscles, tendons and ligaments that are required for the proper functioning of the shoulder. This breaking down of tissue results in painful use of the arm and shoulder.

Treatment of Shoulder Pain

The way you treat this pain will depend on what is causing it in the first place.

First Aid

If a direct trauma has just created a fresh new injury, then the pain should be treated with first aid techniques. This will include stabilizing the arm and joint and then applying a hot/cold compress to the damaged area. Depending on the seriousness of the injury, medical professionals may need to be contacted.

Medication

However, if the pain is caused from wear and tear, disease or age, a compress will most likely prove inadequate. In these instances, victims of shoulder pain are encouraged to consult with their physician regarding herbs or drugs. The medical field has developed a few different medications that work well for differing levels of pain.

Rest and Rehabilitation

Nothing beats rest for an injury. In the end, the damage and pain caused by the shoulder will benefit the most from being in a state of rest. When the time is right, there will then be a phase of rehabilitation. Together, rest and rehabilitation can be a powerful aid in helping people rid themselves of nagging or debilitating shoulder pain.