Shoulder pain is not a disease or condition in itself, but could be indicative of some kind of injury, strain or an ailment. Whether you workout in a gym lifting weights, or you spend most of your day in front of a computer, you would probably experience shoulder pain at some point of time. Shoulder pain refers to any pain that occurs in and around the shoulder area. The pain may originate from the shoulder joint itself or from the muscles, tendons and ligaments that surround the joint. In most cases, shoulder pain worsens with any activity or movement that involves use of the shoulder, arm or neck. Shoulder pain may even occur as a result of conditions or disorders that affect structures in the abdomen and chest area. This explains why many individuals with ailments such as gall bladder disease or heart disease often experience shoulder pain. Pain which originates from another area is known as referred pain. This type of pain generally does not get aggravated when there is shoulder movement.

Frozen shoulder

Remedies for Shoulder Pain
The treatment for shoulder pain will vary depending on the cause. The doctor will evaluate the condition based on the individual?s medical history and physical examination. If necessary, certain types of tests may be prescribed. There is a significant difference between the treatment for mild sprains and more serious conditions such as heart attacks. Treatment for minor strains or sprains may involve a combination of therapies. Medications may be prescribed to alleviate the pain. It may take a few days for the pain to go away completely. Anti-inflammatory medication may also be prescribed in some cases. In order to allow healing to take place, the affected area may have to be immobilized. This is usually done with a splint, sling or cast. These are usually worn for some time and then removed. Once the splint or cast is removed, the area needs to be moved regularly so that normal functioning can resume. Elevating the injured area is also beneficial. Adequate rest is essential, when the body has suffered an injury, as continued movement can worsen the injury. In case of severe injury, the individual may need to remain hospitalized for further tests. The patient may also be referred to an orthopedist for more specialized treatment.

Minor injuries of the shoulder may be treated at home. However it is advisable to seek medical care when the cause of the problem is unknown or if the symptoms seem to be worsening. The best treatment in case of mild shoulder pain is rest. Resting the injured area allows it to undergo healing. Two or three days of rest is adequate and may then be followed by light exercise of the area. Ice compresses are also beneficial in alleviating sprains and strains. However the ice must not be placed directly on the skin. It is best to place some ice cubes in a plastic bag and then wrap the bag in a towel. This may be placed on the affected area for about 15 minutes after every two hours. Hot compresses help in treating pain and swelling, but must be used only after the first week. Keeping the area elevated also helps in treating shoulder pain as it relieves swelling. You can rest the area on some pillows. There are also many over-the-counter medications which help to ease pain and discomfort. Certain exercises help to soothe strained muscles and also speed up recovery. However it is advisable to consult a doctor first. One such beneficial exercise for the shoulder is to stand and the bend down till you are facing the floor. Then move the affected arm in circles.