Experiencing pain in your shoulder and upper arm is both uncomfortable and frustrating. Those that have experienced persistent pain know that it can disrupt your everyday life, getting in the way of work, rest, and the activities that you enjoy most. It can be especially challenging when the cause the pain is unknown.
The aim of this guide is to help demystify some of the common causes and types of shoulder and upper arm pain. We hope after reading this guide that you also have a better understanding of the diagnosis and treatment options for upper arm and shoulder pain, including when it’s time to consider surgery.
Whether you’re a professional sportsperson or just someone who is simply wanting relief, this guide is designed to help you make an informed decision about what next steps you need to take to address your shoulder and upper arm pain.
Causes of Shoulder and Upper Arm Pain
There is no single cause of shoulder and upper arm pain. In fact, this type of pain can originate from a variety of underlying issues relating to the different structures in the arm and shoulder. Here is a list of the most common causes of upper arm and shoulder pain.
Involvement of Deltoid and Supraspinatus Muscles: The deltoid muscle covers the shoulder joint and plays a crucial role in shoulder function by providing support during various movements. The supraspinatus muscle, located on the upper back, assists in lifting and rotating the arm. The proper functioning of these muscles is crucial for shoulder movement and stability. They can however become strained or injured due to overuse, incorrect techniques, especially in sports or weightlifting, or due to trauma. Strains or injuries in these muscles can lead to localised pain, limited range of motion, and discomfort even during the most basic everyday activities, such as dressing and brushing your teeth.
Tendonitis and Impingement: Tendonitis occurs when the tendons in the shoulder become inflamed, often due to repetitive movements. Impingement, on the other hand, results from tendons or bursa being pinched between bones, leading to irritation and discomfort. This can be particularly common in individuals who engage in repetitive overhead activities, such as throwing or swimming.
Presence of Bone Spurs: Bone spurs are bony growths that can develop within the shoulder joint over time. While some people are more prone to spurs than others, they are most often the result of wear and tear due to overuse and repeated overhead movements. As these spurs grow, they can impinge on surrounding tissues, leading to inflammation and pain.
Front Arm Pain and Biceps Tendon Issues: Front arm pain is often caused by issues with the biceps tendon, such as tendonitis, inflammation, or tears. Biceps tendon issues are often caused by activities that involve repetitive motions, especially those involving lifting or overhead movements. This can result in pain radiating down the front of the arm. Proper diagnosis is essential to determine the extent of the issue and devise an effective treatment plan.
How to Treat Shoulder and Upper Arm Pain
There are a range of treatment options available for shoulder and upper arm pain. The right course of treatment is generally determined by the cause and severity of your pain. While it is recommended that you consult a shoulder specialist to properly assess your injury, there are some things you can do in the meantime to help manage your pain.
Rest and Ice: Rest is crucial to help the affected muscles and tendons to heal. Holding an ice pack to the site of the pain can also help reduce inflammation and provide relied. It’s also essential that you hold off from doing any strenuous activities in order to prevent further aggravation.
Physical Therapy: Working with a qualified physiotherapist is highly recommended for proper pain management and recovery. These professionals can create an exercise plan aimed at improving flexibility, strengthening muscles, and relieving pain. Physiotherapy can also help to correct your posture and movement patterns that are contributing to your pain.
Medications: Pain relievers and anti-inflammatories may help to temporarily reduce pain and reduce inflammation. These should always be used in consultation with a medical professional to ensure proper usage.
Injections: Corticosteroid injections from a healthcare professional, are also effective in reducing inflammation and provide temporary pain relief. These injections can be especially beneficial for managing flare-ups.
When to Consider Surgery
Shoulder and upper arm pain can disrupt your daily life, robbing you of your ability to perform activities you enjoy. But it’s important to know that you don’t have to put up with it. There are many treatment options available that can help you regain normal function in your shoulder and upper arm and live without the ongoing burden of shoulder and upper arm pain.
If conservative treatments fail to provide relief and your upper arm and shoulder pain continues it might be time to consider whether surgery is needed. If you find yourself in this situation, it is recommended that you book in with a shoulder specialist, such as Dr. Sushil Pant, leading shoulder surgeon in Sydney with extensive expertise in treating all conditions of the shoulder. Dr. Pant will guide you through the decisionmaking process and help you determine whether surgery may be necessary to address your specific issue.
Treatment with Dr. Sushil Pant
By understanding the causes, diagnosis, treatment options, including the possibility of surgery, you can take proactive steps towards relief and recovery. If you are experiencing ongoing shoulder and upper arm pain that is having a negative impact on your day to day, it is crucial that you seek the expert opinion of a shoulder
surgeon.
Dr. Sushil Pant, a leading shoulder surgeon in Sydney, with extensive experience in all shoulder-related issues can provide personalised guidance, accurate diagnosis, and recommendations for effective treatment.
Consulting a specialist will help ensure that you receive the best care and advice tailored to your specific needs and goals, and will help you on your path toward curing your upper arm pain.