Shoulder impingement syndrome can be a frustrating and painful condition that affects many people. It happens when the tendons or bursa in your shoulder area become compressed or pinched due to prolonged overhead activities or repetitive movements. Some of the symptoms include pain, weakness, and limited mobility in your shoulder. However, not all cases of shoulder impingement syndrome are the same. Some cases are more severe than others and require prompt medical attention. In this blog post, we will discuss when shoulder impingement syndrome is serious and what you can do to treat it.
The Duration and Severity of Pain:
One of the major indicators of serious shoulder impingement syndrome is the duration and severity of pain. If your shoulder pain has persisted for more than a few months and is getting progressively worse, it may be a sign of a more serious condition. Pain that radiates down your arm or causes numbness or tingling is also a concern. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact a doctor for evaluation.
Loss of Mobility:
Another factor that can determine the seriousness of shoulder impingement syndrome is the loss of mobility. If you find that you are unable to rotate your shoulder or lift your arm above your head without pain, it could be a sign that the impingement is causing irreversible damage to your shoulder joint. This is especially true if the loss of mobility persists, despite attempts at physiotherapy or other non-surgical treatments.
X-Ray and MRI Results:
Your doctor may order x-rays or MRI scans of your shoulder to determine the extent of the damage. If these tests reveal shrinkage or damage to the rotator cuff muscles or tendons, it may be an indication that surgery is necessary to address the issue. If there is no significant structural damage seen from the imaging studies, your doctor may recommend conservative treatments like physiotherapy in Kitchener.
Impingement of Critical Nerves or Blood Vessels:
If you experience severe pain and a loss of mobility, it may be an indication that critical nerves and blood vessels are getting pinched alongside the tendons in your shoulder. This is especially concerning because it can lead to permanent nerve damage or other serious health issues. In these cases, your doctor may recommend surgery to relieve the pressure on these critical structures.
Other Health Conditions:
Shoulder impingement syndrome can also be a sign of other underlying health issues that may require prompt medical attention. For instance, people with diabetes and thyroid problems are at a higher risk for developing shoulder impingement syndrome. If you have any underlying health conditions, it’s important to seek medical advice when shoulder pain arises.
Shoulder impingement syndrome can be an uncomfortable and debilitating condition, but it doesn’t have to be serious. With the right care and treatment, you can reduce your pain, regain mobility, and prevent long-term damage. However, don’t ignore persistent or severe symptoms. Seek medical attention to address the issue before it turns into something more serious. A physiotherapist can oftentimes identify and treat this syndrome. We understand that seeking medical care can be daunting, but it’s important to prioritize your health to ensure that you can live an optimal and pain-free life.
