pain in both shoulders | 8 causes of bilateral shoulder pain (2023)

shoulder osteoarthritis

shoulder osteoarthritisit means that there is inflammation and abnormal wear and tear of one or both shoulder joints.

Arthritis in any joint is most often caused by prolonged wear and tear called osteoarthritis; for an autoimmune disease that attacks the joints called rheumatoid arthritis; or from an injury called post-traumatic arthritis.

Symptoms include pain that worsens with use of the joint; limited range of motion, d. h shoulder joint cannot move as much as before; and pain when resting or trying to sleep.

Shoulder osteoarthritis has no cure, but symptoms can be treated to improve quality of life and reduce pain and discomfort.

Diagnosis is based on medical history, physical examination, and radiographs. An injection of anesthetic may be placed into the joint for confirmation. When the pain subsides, arthritis is almost certainly the cause.

Treatment includes physical therapy; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve discomfort and inflammation; and corticosteroid injections in the shoulder to relieve pain. In some cases, surgery and replacement of the shoulder joint may be performed.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritisIt is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the lining of joints, making them thick and painful. It can also affect other parts of the body, such as the heart, lungs, eyes, and circulatory system.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which means the body's immune system turns against itself for unknown reasons.

Women between the ages of 30 and 60 are most at risk. Other risk factors include family history, smoking and obesity.

The first symptoms are hot, swollen, stiff and painful joints, especially in the fingers and toes; Fatigue; and fever. Usually the same joints are affected on both sides of the body.

If left untreated, irreversible joint damage and deformities with other complications can occur. Early diagnosis can make it possible to start preventive treatment as soon as possible.

The diagnosis is made by physical examination; blood analysis; and X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans.

There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but the condition can be treated to improve your quality of life. Treatment includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; steroids; anti-inflammatory drugs; Physical therapy; and sometimes surgery to repair the joints.

Repetitive Strain Injury of the Shoulder ("Swimmer's Shoulder")

Repetitive strain injury to the armIt is caused by constant repeated use.

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You don't need any treatment, just rest from overuse. Wearing a splint and physical therapy can help.

Rarity:Unusual

Main symptoms:Shoulder pain from overuse, shoulder weakness, shoulder numbness

Symptoms that always occur with repetitive strain injury of the shoulder ("swimmer's shoulder"):Shoulder pain from overuse

Symptoms that never occur with a repetitive strain shoulder injury ("swimmer's shoulder"):severe shoulder pain, shoulder injury

Urgency:self-treatment

Pinched nerve in the neck

Apinched nerve in the neckalso called cervical radiculopathy. This means that a nerve in the neck, where it branches off the spinal cord, is being pinched by bone, muscle, or other surrounding tissue.

It can be caused by a traumatic injury such as a sports or car accident, especially if the injury results in a herniated disc. It can also result from the normal wear and tear of aging.

Symptoms include sharp, burning pain with numbness and tingling from the neck to the shoulder and weakness and numbness in the arm and hand.

Diagnosis is based on history, physical examination, and simple neurological tests to check reflexes. Imaging procedures such as X-rays, CT or MRI scans, and electromyography may be done to measure nerve impulses in muscles.

A pinched nerve in the neck usually gets better after a few days or weeks of rest. Physical therapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroid injections in the spine can be very helpful.

Rarity:Together

Main symptoms:Pain in one shoulder, spontaneous shoulder pain, pain radiating to arm, neck pain, severe shoulder pain

Urgency:family's doctor

nonspecific shoulder pain

nonspecific shoulder pain, also called NSSP, means that the cause of shoulder pain is not immediately apparent.

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There is a lot of structure in and around the shoulder. The pain can be the result of a condition or injury to the joint itself or any of the surrounding bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Anything from a broken arm to arthritis can cause shoulder pain.

Symptoms include pain that worsens with arm and shoulder movement, especially after overuse or injury. Any swelling, redness, joint deformity, inability to move the arm, or severe pain should be seen by a doctor immediately.

Shoulder pain with shortness of breath and/or chest pain or tightness could be signs of a heart attack. Take the patient to the emergency room or call 9-1-1.

The diagnosis is made by physical examination and radiography or computed tomography.

Treatment usually begins with rest and over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers. Doctors will determine further treatment once the exact cause of the pain has been determined.

Rarity:Together

Main symptoms:Pain in the shoulder

Symptoms that always occur with non-specific shoulder pain:Pain in the shoulder

Urgency:self-treatment

Frozen shoulder (adhesive shoulder capsulitis)

frozen shoulderalso known as adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder. The "shoulder capsule" is the strong connective tissue that holds the ball joint of the arm in the socket of the shoulder blade. When this connective tissue is damaged, scar tissue or adhesions can form and cause the shoulder capsule to become stiff, painful, and immobile.

The condition can occur when a shoulder injury forces you to remain immobilized while it heals. Additional risk factors can include diabetes, thyroid abnormalities and heart disease.

Symptoms include a gradual deterioration in shoulder mobility due to increased pain and stiffness on the outside of the shoulder and upper arm.

The diagnosis is made through a physical exam with simple tests to measure how much the shoulder can move and imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI.

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Treatment includes physical therapy to restore range of motion; over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain relief; and sometimes cortisone injections into the shoulder joint. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.

Rarity:Together

Main symptoms:Spontaneous shoulder pain, shoulder stiffness, dull shoulder pain, shoulder pain worse at night, difficulty moving the shoulder

Symptoms that always occur with a frozen shoulder (adhesive shoulder capsulitis):hard shoulder

Urgency:family's doctor

fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a cluster of chronic symptoms that include persistent fatigue, diffuse tactile sensitivity, musculoskeletal pain, and usually some degree of depression.

The cause is unknown. Yesfibromyalgiaappears, usually occurs after a stressful physical or emotional event, such as a car accident or divorce. It may involve a genetic component in which the person perceives normal sensations such as pain.

Nearly 90% of people with fibromyalgia are women. People with rheumatic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus may be more prone to fibromyalgia.

Lack of sleep is often a symptom, along with confused thoughts, headaches, painful menstrual periods, and increased sensitivity to heat, cold, bright lights, and loud noises.

There is no standard test for fibromyalgia. The diagnosis is usually made when the above symptoms persist for three months or more with no apparent cause.

Fibromyalgia doesn't go away on its own, but it doesn't get worse either.

Treatment includes alleviating symptoms and improving the patient's quality of life through pain medication, exercise, improved diet, and help in managing stressful situations.

Rarity:Together

Main symptoms:Fatigue, arthralgia or myalgia, anxiety, depressed mood, headache

Symptoms that always occur with fibromyalgia:arthralgias or myalgias

(Video) Why is My Shoulder Pain Worse at Night?

Urgency:family's doctor

Brachial plexopathy (shoulder nerve problem)

Ashoulder nerve injuryBrachial plexopathy, also called brachial plexopathy, occurs when a network of nerves at the front of the shoulder, known as the brachial plexus, is damaged. This damage can result from injury, inflammation, radiation therapy, or other illnesses. Symptoms include sharp pains in the shoulder, arm or hand. Numbness or weakness in the shoulder or arm may also occur.

You should consider seeing a doctor to discuss your symptoms. A doctor can evaluate shoulder nerve problems by reviewing your symptoms and medical history. You may also be asked to have an EMG, a test that checks the connections between your muscles and nerves. Once diagnosed, some treatment options include pain medication or nerve blocks, physical therapy, and braces or splints. In some cases, surgery may be necessary. Depending on the severity, recovery times can range from weeks to years.

Rarity:Unusual

Main symptoms:pain in one arm, shoulder pain up the arm, arm weakness, numbness in one arm, shoulder pain

Symptoms that never occur with arm plexopathy (shoulder nerve problem):Pain in the middle of the front of the neck.

Urgency:family's doctor

when to the doctor

You should consult your doctor to address the following.

  • If the pain gets worse at rest:See a doctor if you have severe pain and stiffness in both shoulders that gets worse with rest and improves with activity, especially if you also have flu-like symptoms.
  • Pain that doesn't get better within two weeks

if it's an emergency

Seek immediate emergency care or call 911 if:

  • You have pain, pressure, tightness, or other discomfort in both your shoulders and arms, even if you don't have chest pain.
  • You have severe, persistent, intractable pain in both shoulders for no apparent reason
  • He suffers an injury that causes pain in both shoulders, even with no outward signs of trauma.

prevention

Pain in both shoulders can be avoided by paying attention to your posture, especially if you have to sit for long periods of time throughout the day. Set aside a few minutes of rest every hour to stretch, change positions, and relax tense muscles. Maintain a regular exercise regimen with the right techniques to improve your overall health.

Questions Your Doctor May Ask About Pain in Both Shoulders

  • How would you explain the cause of your shoulder pain?
  • Can you fully move your shoulders?
  • Have you ever been diagnosed with diabetes?
  • Where exactly is shoulder pain?

Self-diagnosis with ourbojen-assistantIf you answer yes to any of these questions.

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