Back and Shoulder Pain

One of the most frequent conditions diagnosed in the United States is back and shoulder pain. 

Almost fifty to eighty percent of the Americans  have a condition or two of shoulder and back pain.  This is a research found by the Arthritis Foundation.  Based on the research of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, headache is the most frequent neurological ailment diagnosed while back and shoulder pain is the second.

Shoulder and back pain is a soreness or discomfort that involves any shoulder part which also affects the back or any area around it.  It usually occurs or felt when a cartilage located in the joint or muscles, ligaments and tendons which support the shoulder joint are damaged.

Due to our spinal anatomy, back and shoulder pain is very common.  It is also very to prone to injuries.  Such injuries would include sprains and strains.  Some disorders that cause back and shoulder pain enompass herniated disc, spinal stenosis, pinch nerves, degenerative disc disease, aging, overuse, underuse and sciatica. 

Usually neck pain occurs because of injuries like whiplash, muscle strain and conditions.   On the other hand, back and shoulder pain are usually caused by trauma, arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosina spondylitis, fractures, separation, dislocation, fractures and tendonitis.  The treatment of each would vary depending on the location, type, severity and cause of the pain.  For example, osteoporosis can be treated with medications like bisphosphonates.  Other forms of unceasing back and shoulder pain may require surgery of the spine.

Back and shoulder pain could be acute or chronic.  It is acute when it suddenly occurs and heals quickly as it comes.  On the other hand, back and shoulder pain could be chronic which means it is long lasting.

Most of the time, shoulder and back pain is diagnosed by a physical examination.  The patient undergoes tests like x-rays, arthrogram (which is done by injecting a contrast fluid in the shoulder or shoulder joint to reveal the structure of the shoulder) or an MRI.

Some individuals usually cannot prevent shoulder and back pain for various reasons.  Fortunately, there are some steps to help them reduce back and shoulder pains.  There are some exercises like stretching which could prevent the pain.  Sustaining good posture is another useful way to reduce it.  Another is making sure that job-related tasks which are repetitive do not cause injuries. 

Most cases of back and shoulder pains are not related with neurological symptoms and can actually be treated successfully at home.  Techniques and over-the-counter medications can be used such as water therapy, heat therapy and cold therapy and these would help reduce back and shoulder pains.

Those cases where the pain does not improve within three days should be consulted with a medical professional.  The patient would undergo a pain assessment so that the doctor would know what kind of treatment to use.