Page 92 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

90 COMMON CONDITIONS: HEAD, BACK, AND LIMB PROBLEMS

Shoulder pain

Shoulder pain can be continuous or it may occur only when you
WARNING
make certain movements, such as circling your arm. The pain
may also radiate down one arm. The usual cause is inflammation Seek immediate medical help if
shoulder pain is associated with:
of the muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint. This
● Pain or heaviness in your chest
may develop if you strain your shoulder, for example during sports ● Sweating
or other strenuous activities. Gradual wear and tear on the joint ● Breathlessness
from osteoarthritis can also cause shoulder pain.

See your doctor first
DRUG REMEDIES
Make an appointment to see your doctor if
you have shoulder pain after a fall or injury. Analgesics Take acetaminophen (see p.177)
or ibuprofen (see p.185) to relieve pain. Ibuprofen
has an anti-inflammatory effect, which will help
What you can do yourself reduce any swelling and stiffness.
Counterirritants (see p.181) are creams
There are several things you can do to reduce pain and gels that produce a tingling sensation in the skin,
and stiffness and get your shoulder moving normally. which soothes pain temporarily. Some products have
a warming effect and increase blood flow to the
● Take an analgesic to relieve the pain (see DRUG
area; others have a cooling effect.
REMEDIES, right).
● Apply an ice pack (such as a bag of frozen peas or
crushed ice, wrapped in a wet towel). Hold for 10
minutes. Reapply 2–3 times a day for the first 2 days. PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE
● Massaging a counterirritant cream or gel into
Shoulder exercises Do these exercises
the sore area may help soothe the pain for a short twice a day to improve flexibility. You may find it
while (see DRUG REMEDIES, right). helpful to do them under a warm shower. Gradually
increase the range of movement as the pain lessens.
● Rest the shoulder for a few days, but try to keep it
mobile by gently shrugging from time to time. If you Put your arms out to the side and lift them,
don’t, it may get persistently stiff and painful (“frozen stopping as soon as it becomes uncomfortable.
shoulder”). As the pain eases, start exercising your 1 Slowly drop them to your sides. Repeat 5 times.
shoulder (see PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE, right).
● At night, lie on the pain-free side and cuddle a
cushion with the other arm for support. If you lie
on your back, support your arm with a pillow.
● Make sure you keep your armpit on the affected
side clean and dry to avoid soreness.

Seek further medical advice
Arrange to see your doctor if: Put your arms out to the front and lift them
until you start to feel discomfort. Slowly drop
● Your shoulder is becoming more painful
2 them to your sides. Repeat 5 times.
● It is not getting better after 2–3 days