When to seek help
In most cases, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor when you experience the following symptoms.
- Shoulder pain that is very severe. This can be a sign of a serious injury, such as a dislocation or a fracture.
- Shoulder pain that continues for more than two weeks.In mild cases, shoulder pain goes away with rest and ice. But if you continue feeling the symptoms for two weeks or more, we recommend talking to your doctor. It can also be a sign of a complicated shoulder problem, such as septic shoulder bursitis.
- Shoulder pain that interferes with your daily life.Seek medical attention immediately if you feel shoulder pain interferes with your everyday life. If you feel your quality of life is decreasing, it is a good idea to get a diagnosis.
- Pain that radiates into your neck or down your arm. All types of radiating pain should be reported because they are probably triggered by nerve-related problems, and they are unlikely to respond to over-the-counter pain medications.
- Pain that occurs after a fall or trauma. Talk to your doctor if you received a direct hit on your shoulder and feel that the pain is out of proportion. You should also come to the doctor immediately if you received high-energy trauma, such as a car accident or falling from a motorcycle.
- Swelling in your shoulder: The shoulder joint is deep within many layers of tissue. Thus, it is unlikely that it will become swollen due to a joint problem. When it happens, it is probably because the inflammation is very severe and warrants medical attention.
⇒ Now, let’s discuss treatment options for pain relief.
