Shoulder pain is a very common problem that affects different people in a range of ways. Usually, it’s regarded as a symptom of another problem. There are various reasons why you might find yourself experiencing shoulder pain, which could include bad posture, frozen shoulder issues, shoulder instability, and osteoarthritis.
Treatment and medication for shoulder pain can vary according to the type of pain you have and other factors, such as your age and/or existing medical problems. Your doctor might choose to schedule an appointment on your behalf with an orthopedic surgeon, which could mean that surgery is the best solution for your circumstances. However, you may simply need to try some less serious treatment options.
Ice Packs and Exercise:
If you injure your shoulder, for instance, when you are playing sports, you can reduce swelling and pain in the area by applying an icepack. Make sure that you wrap the ice pack and do not allow it to come into direct contact with the skin. What’s more, if you have shoulder pain that is quite significant, it’s important to carefully remember to keep your shoulder joint mobile using gentle, light movements. Keep in mind that failing to use your shoulder can sometimes cause your muscles to begin wasting away, which will make the stiffness a lot worse. If possible, you should continue using your shoulder in the same way that you would normally do.
Painkillers:
If you experience only a mild pain, the best treatment and medication for shoulder pain may simply be rest and the use of painkillers. Painkillers, like codeine and paracetamol, will often be enough to reduce your discomfort. However, you should be careful to always follow the instructions regarding dosage that are included on the packet to make sure that you don’t take too much. If you find that your shoulder pain is more severe, then your doctor might recommend taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as naproxen or ibuprofen. As well as easing the pain, these NSAIDs can also be useful with reducing swelling around the shoulder capsule.
Corticosteroids:
Corticosteroids are a form of medication that contain steroids. These steroids are powerful chemicals that can lead to a range of different effects on the body, including swelling reduction and pain management. You may be prescribed corticosteroid tablets if you suffer from a frozen shoulder, and some evidence indicates that these pills might provide short-term relief for a number of weeks.
If the pain in your shoulder is extremely severe, then you might find that oral painkillers simply aren’t enough to manage the pain. Corticosteroid injections around and inside of the shoulder joint can help to relieve excess pain and improve your overall range of motion for various weeks at a time. However, these injections will not be able to completely cure your condition, and you may find that your symptoms are beginning to return gradually. Some experts also suggest that these injections should be avoided for as long as possible as there are safer treatment and medication for shoulder pain available.
