[32F] Experiencing inner shoulder pain without injury

Patient Description

A 32-year-old female presents with a dull, uncomfortable pain in the inner shoulder, rated as 4 out of 10 in severity, persisting for 2 days. The pain is exacerbated by certain movements, such as repositioning in bed and doing hair, but does not worsen with overhead activities or lifting the arm to the side. There is no associated swelling, redness, warmth, weakness, clicking, popping, numbness, or tingling. The patient has no known allergies, is not on any medications, and has no past medical history of musculoskeletal issues or chronic illnesses. There have been no recent injuries, and the patient attributes the onset of pain to positioning herself incorrectly.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you provided, the most likely causes of your shoulder pain include:

  • Muscular Strain: This can occur due to poor posture or awkward positioning, as you mentioned. Strains can cause a dull ache and discomfort with movement.

    • Treatment typically involves rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Physical therapy exercises can also be helpful.

  • Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons in your shoulder, often due to repetitive activities or overuse. However, you did not mention any repetitive activities.

    • Treatment often involves rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Physical therapy can also be beneficial.

  • Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction in your shoulder joint. This can cause pain and discomfort with certain movements.

    • Treatment typically involves rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers. In some cases, a doctor may recommend a corticosteroid injection to reduce inflammation.

Please note that these are potential causes based on the information you've provided. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

What you can do

Here are some things you can do to help manage your shoulder pain:

  1. Rest: Avoid activities that cause or worsen your pain.
  2. Ice: Apply an ice pack to your shoulder for 15 minutes at a time, several times a day.
  3. Over-the-counter pain relievers: Non-prescription medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
  4. Gentle exercises: Once your pain begins to improve, gentle range-of-motion exercises can help prevent stiffness and strengthen your shoulder muscles. A physical therapist can provide you with appropriate exercises.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Severe pain or swelling
  • An inability to move your shoulder
  • Pain that persists despite self-care measures
  • Signs of an infection, such as redness, warmth, or fever

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for accurate information.

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9 mo ago

People Also Ask

What are common causes of shoulder pain that doesn't involve injury?

Common causes of shoulder pain without injury include muscular strain from poor posture or awkward positioning, tendinitis due to inflammation of the tendons, and bursitis, which is inflammation of the bursa in the shoulder joint.

How can I differentiate between muscular strain and tendinitis in the shoulder?

Muscular strain typically presents as a dull ache that worsens with certain movements and is often linked to poor posture or awkward positioning. Tendinitis, on the other hand, involves inflammation of the tendons and may be associated with repetitive activities, though it can also cause similar pain patterns. A healthcare provider can help differentiate between the two through a physical examination.

What are effective home remedies for managing shoulder pain?

Effective home remedies for managing shoulder pain include resting the shoulder, applying ice packs for 15 minutes several times a day, taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, and performing gentle range-of-motion exercises once the pain begins to improve.

When should I seek medical attention for shoulder pain?

You should seek medical attention for shoulder pain if you experience severe pain or swelling, an inability to move your shoulder, pain that persists despite self-care measures, or signs of an infection such as redness, warmth, or fever.

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