Have you ever woken up with a stiff left shoulder? Or felt a nagging ache in your right shoulder after carrying groceries? Maybe your left hand shoulder pain makes scrolling through your phone a painful task. Shoulder pain is far more common than you think. Yet most of us ignore it until it starts interfering with daily life.
In this blog, we’ll break down:
- What is shoulder pain, and how does it happen
- How to identify what your body is telling you
- Which doctor should you see?
- How orthopedic aids like Leeford Ortho Shoulder Support can help
What Shoulder Pain Feels Like
Shoulder pain is discomfort, aching, or soreness in or around the shoulder joint. Dull or sharp, shoulder pain, or even a sharp, stabbing pain. This makes everyday movements like lifting or reaching tricky.
Causes can include:
- Muscle strain or overuse
- Poor posture
- Injuries like dislocations or fractures
- Joint problems like arthritis or tendonitis
- Nerve compression
Why Does Shoulder Pain Happen?
The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in your body. But that freedom comes at a cost. It’s also one of the most easily injured.
Common Causes You Might Relate To:
- Overuse or repetitive strain: Lifting a pressure cooker full of sabzi. Carrying groceries or even working long hours on your laptop can inflame tendons. This is often why your left shoulder or right shoulder starts aching gradually.
- Rotator cuff injuries: Pain when you lift your arm overhead or behind your back could mean a rotator cuff tear. You might feel a sharp pain. Or a dull ache that lingers all day.
- Frozen shoulder: Ever notice your shoulder getting stiff? Simple movements like reaching for a shelf become difficult. That’s likely adhesive capsulitis.
- Bursitis or tendinitis: Pain worsens at night. Or when pressing directly on the shoulder. This often points to inflammation of the bursa or tendon.
- Referred pain: Sometimes, pain isn’t even from the shoulder. Left shoulder pain can occasionally be linked to heart issues. Right shoulder pain might be related to liver or gallbladder problems.
ICD-10 codes can help doctors classify your shoulder pain:
- Right shoulder pain ICD 10: M25.511
- Left shoulder pain ICD 10: M25.512
Important Signs to Watch
Think about your day-to-day:
- Pain when lifting groceries? Overuse injury.
- Aching at night, making it hard to sleep on your side? Bursitis or tendinitis.
- Stiff shoulder, making it hard to reach a cupboard? Frozen shoulder.
- Pain radiating to your left hand with tingling? Possibly nerve-related.
Every movement hurts when your shoulder is stiff. Leeford Ortho Shoulder Support helps ease pain and restore comfort by:
- Keeping your shoulder stable while allowing gentle movement.
- Eases pain by offloading pressure from the affected tendons.
- Designed to feel comfortable when you wear it, even for a long time.
- Assists you in performing rehabilitation exercises safely under professional guidance.
How to Figure Out What Your Shoulder Is Telling You
Your shoulder pain gives clues about what’s happening inside:
- Location: Is it the left shoulder, right shoulder, or radiating to your left hand? Pain in the hand or fingers could indicate nerve compression.
- Type of pain: Sharp, stabbing pain can be alarming. It’s usually due to an injury. A dull ache may be inflammation or arthritis.
- Movement limitation: Can you lift your arm fully? Overhead pain or restricted motion often points to rotator cuff or frozen shoulder.
- Associated symptoms: Swelling, redness, or numbness aren’t normal. These are signs you should see a doctor soon.
When Shoulder Pain Is Normal During Pregnancy
Expectant mothers often ask, “Is shoulder pain normal in pregnancy?” The answer is sometimes yes. Hormonal changes, especially relaxin, loosen your ligaments. With a growing belly, your posture changes, and your shoulders and upper back feel the pressure. Mild pain is normal, but if it continues or worsens, see your obstetrician. If needed, also see a physiotherapist.
Which Doctor Should You See?
Not each and every shoulder pain requires surgery. Seeing the right specialist makes a huge difference.
1. Orthopedic Surgeons
If your pain started after a fall, injury, or is severe and persistent, see an orthopedic surgeon. They help treat:
- Rotator cuff tears
- Frozen shoulder
- Arthritis
- Fractures
Experts may suggest using supports. You can also choose Leeford Ortho Shoulder Support, which stabilizes your joint during recovery.
2. Sports Medicine Specialists
If pain is persistent from repetitive motion, see a sports medicine doctor. This includes office work, gym workouts, or household chores. They help treat:
- Rehabilitation exercises for shoulder mobility
- Pain management strategies
- Prevention of further injury
3. Rheumatologists
When your pain feels long-lasting, stiff, or inflamed, you can consult with a rheumatologist, as it is the right approach. They can assist you with:
- Autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis
- Inflammatory tendon problems
- Long-term joint inflammation and stiffness
4. Neurologists
If pain comes with numbness, tingling, or radiates to the left hand, see a neurologist. They help treat:
- Nerve compression issues
- Cervical spine problems
- Radiating pain affecting the arm or hand
5. Physical Therapists
Even if surgery isn’t an option, a physical therapist will help you to:
- Reduce pain
- Restore mobility<
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