Your shoulder works just like a golf ball balanced on a tree. The bone of the upper arm (humerus) rests in the shallow socket of the shoulder blade (scapula) while the collarbone(clavicle) adds another layer of complexity to the joint. The shoulder’s priority is stability along with allowing for a wide range of motion. But this wide range of motion is prone to injuries in daily life. But what are the signs of a shoulder injury and can we prevent it? Let’s see the warning signs and ways to prevent shoulder injury.
Causes Of Shoulder Injuries
There are various causes of shoulder injury but it can be broadly classified into three categories including overuse, trauma, and degenerative conditions.
Overuse Injuries
Overuse injuries are the most common type of shoulder injury. They are caused by repetitive motions that stress the shoulder joint, tendons, and ligaments. Common overuse injuries include rotator cuff tendonitis, bursitis, and impingement syndrome.
Trauma
Traumatic injuries can be caused by a sudden impact on the shoulder, such as a fall or a blow to the shoulder during contact sports. Common traumatic injuries include shoulder dislocations, fractures, and sprains.
Degenerative Conditions
It includes conditions such as osteoarthritis can also cause shoulder pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis is a condition that causes the cartilage in the shoulder joint to wear down over time.
Other factors that can cause shoulder injuries are:
Age: As we age, the tendons and ligaments in the shoulder become less flexible and more susceptible to tears.
Muscle weakness: Weak shoulder muscles can make it more difficult to support the joint and can lead to overuse injuries.
Poor posture: Poor posture can put stress on the shoulder joint and can contribute to pain and stiffness.
Frozen shoulder: The capsule of connective tissue that holds your shoulder together thickens and tightens around the joint, restricting its movement.
What Are Some Of The Warning Signs Of A Shoulder Injury?
When you are having pain in your shoulder, ask yourself the following questions:
• Is the shoulder stiff? Can you rotate your arm in all the normal positions?
• Does it feel like your shoulder could pop out or slide out of the socket?
• Do you lack the strength in your shoulder to carry out your daily activities?
If you answer, “yes” to any one of these questions or are experiencing frequent shoulder, neck, or arm pain, you should consult a doctor. Early diagnosis is one of the best forms of treatment.
Some people will have a habit of ignoring the pain and “play through” shoulder injuries, which only aggravates the condition and possibly causes more problems. People also may not know the extent of the injury because steady pain, weakness in the arm, or limitation of joint motion can become almost second nature to them.
Prevention
Shoulder problems can be prevented without surgery. Regular care for our shoulders is crucial for maintaining our health. By knowing and following these following tips, we can prevent future shoulder injuries and maintain shoulder health. If shoulder pain or prolonged soreness occurs, seek help from an orthopedic surgeon or shoulder specialist to treat the injury and maintain shoulder health.
Warm-up
Gradually increase exercise intensity, consult a trainer, or stay within your comfort range when returning to sports, especially weight training, and avoid jumping back directly to previous activity levels.
Stretch
Stretching improves range of motion and shoulder flexibility, especially for desk workers. Posture can increase the risk of shoulder impingement. To combat bad posture and reduce injury, push shoulder blades back and hold for over 30 seconds in a doorway.
Cross-train
If you play a sport that requires overhead motions, such as baseball, or if your job needs frequent overhead movements, like painting or constructing, consider cross-training to help maintain physical fitness and prevent shoulder discomfort. Running and cycling are great forms of exercise that relieve stress on your shoulders.
Increase strength
Strengthening your rotator cuff muscles and back muscles increases stability reduces pressure on the joint and can help prevent dislocations and other shoulder injuries Some suggested exercises include seated rows and lat pull-downs.
Rest And Ice
After exercise or repeated overhead movements, sometimes your shoulder can feel sore. It is key to rest and ice your shoulder when it feels sore after or during sports or work. If you must do overhead activities at work, make sure you take breaks often and stretch when you can.
If you start to feel pain, consult your shoulder specialist. Waiting to report possible injuries could worsen your shoulder injury or increase rehabilitation time.
Evaluate Your Sleep Position
It may seem basic, but most of us don’t think about how our sleeping position affects our shoulders. If you are experiencing shoulder soreness and you sleep on your side, then sleep on the opposite side of the sore shoulder or your back. This will prevent you from increasing your shoulder irritation while you sleep and give your shoulder a chance to rest, too.
Proper Posture
Whether you are lifting heavy objects or sitting at your work desk, proper posture is key to preventing shoulder injuries and pain. When lifting, keep your back straight and lift with your legs. As you reach, do not stretch your shoulders upward to your ears. When sitting, make sure you have good posture and your computer is at an appropriate height and distance so you can easily and comfortably use the keyboard. A standing desk can be a good tool for proper posture and to prevent shoulder, neck, and back pain.
Listen to your body. If your shoulder gets sore after any activity, don’t ignore it. If the pain is serious and doesn’t go away, see your doctor. There’s no need to tough it out. You just might make things worse.
Recovery
If you do hurt your shoulder, these things should help you feel better:
Rest and ice are key. Apply ice every few hours.
Ask your doctor if you can take over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen.
If your doctor suggests physical therapy, make sure you do it.
Don’t wear a sling. You want to keep your arm free to move. Just don’t overdo it.
Conclusion
While shoulder injuries can be frustrating setbacks, many can be prevented with a proactive approach. Regularly stretching keeps your muscles flexible, while core strengthening exercises provide stability for the entire body. Maintain good posture throughout the day to avoid unnecessary strain, and always warm up and cool down before and after exercise. Listen to your body; pain is a signal to take a break or adjust your activity. Considering these steps, along with using ergonomic equipment and consulting a healthcare professional for personalized guidance, empowers you to keep your shoulders strong, healthy, and ready for life’s adventures.