If you’re suffering from shoulder osteoarthritis one of the most common questions you might have is whether your shoulder will hurt even when you are resting. Shoulder pain can be a serious issue that can affect your daily life from work to leisure activities. Whether you are experiencing a painful flare-up or just curious about your condition it’s important to understand how shoulder osteoarthritis pain works and what you can do to ease it. In this article, we provide valuable information to help you understand the pain, its causes and ways to cope with it.
Shoulder osteoarthritis pain can be chronic and severe or intermittent and mild. Sufferers explain that the pain they experience feels like a dull ache that is persistent in nature which can worsen when they try to engage the affected muscles or perform certain movements. Pain can occur because of the damage to the joint’s cartilage which acts as a shock absorber and prevents bone rubbing against bone. Without this cushioning layer the two bones (the humerus and the scapula) can rub against each other and cause inflammation, pain and stiffness.
The severity and timing of the pain in your shoulder joint often depend on the stage and progression of osteoarthritis. In the early stages, pain can be minor and is more likely to occur after exercise or other physical activities. As the condition worsens, pain may become more intense and feel like a constant, throbbing ache. At this stage, pain can be felt regardless of your activity level, making resting difficult, and finding sleep can be more of a challenge.
If you’re suffering from shoulder osteoarthritis pain that worsens when you rest, you might want to learn about ways to manage it. Some people find relief with chiropractic care, physiotherapy, or massage. Chiropractors can realign the spine and other joint extremities, alleviating the pressure on the painful joint. Physiotherapy can include exercises that stretch and strengthen the surrounding muscles, thus increasing mobility. Massage therapy can help relax the muscles, reduce inflammation, and improve blood flow to the area affected.
The good news is that you can also do your part in managing the discomfort of your shoulder osteoarthritis, especially when you decide to rest and relax. Applying heat or cold therapy, taking over-the-counter pain medications, and performing relaxing activities like deep breathing exercises and meditation can bring about significant pain relief. It is also crucial to maintain an overall healthy lifestyle that includes exercise and weight management.
In conclusion, shoulder osteoarthritis pain is tough to deal with regardless of its severity. Understanding the causes and the different treatment options can be very helpful for those suffering from it. While resting the affected joint can be beneficial, it is essential to remember that too much rest can also contribute to complications in the long run. If you are experiencing pain, you should consult your chiropractor or physiotherapist to help you manage the pain better. Together with your healthcare providers, you can find a comfortable and efficient pain management treatment plan, which would not only alleviate and control your symptoms but also improve your overall quality of life.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Nitin Nair, BPT, R/TRO DIP, PT, or another Kitchener physiotherapist at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
