Experiencing shoulder pain can be quite a challenge, especially when it flares up with specific movements or keeps you awake at night. If you notice discomfort when reaching up or struggle to find a comfortable position while sleeping on one side, you may be facing shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS). To help you on your journey to recovery, we'll stroll through the sensations of shoulder impingement, explore its causes, and when to see someone about your shoulder pain.
Shoulder impingement syndrome, now referred to as rotator cuff related pain, is like a shoulder traffic jam! It happens when the tendons in your shoulder, especially the supraspinatus tendon, get squished or pinched in a tight space, along with a little cushion called the bursa.
To learn more about what shoulder impingement is, here's an article that dives into what shoulder impingement is and common treatments.
When those tendons get swollen from injury or just being overworked, things can get pretty uncomfortable, and your shoulder might not move as freely as it should.
You might feel some discomfort when you lift your arm or try to reach behind you, and that ache can even travel down the outside of your upper arm. It can be a real bother, making simple activities like sleeping on that side quite tricky!
What’s It Really Like to Have Shoulder Impingement?
If you’re experiencing shoulder impingement, you might notice a few telltale signs:
Sudden Sharp Pain When Reaching Up
Lifting your arms overhead—whether you’re trying to grab something off a high shelf or doing an exercise—can lead to a sudden, sharp pain around the shoulder or down the side of your arm. This pain often feels concentrated in one spot, and certain movements can make it even more intense.
Nagging Discomfort at Night
The discomfort from shoulder impingement doesn’t just vanish when you stop moving. Many people find that they experience a persistent ache at night, particularly when lying on the affected shoulder. This nighttime discomfort can be bothersome and may even disrupt your sleep.
Pain That Travels Down the Arm
If you’ve noticed a dull ache that radiates from your shoulder down the outer part of your upper arm, you’re not alone. Many with shoulder impingement describe it as a steady, aching sensation that tends to worsen with specific arm movements. While it can travel down the arm, it usually doesn’t go all the way to the elbow.
Struggles with Reaching Behind
Tasks like putting on a coat, tucking in a shirt, or reaching back to fasten your seatbelt can become quite challenging. If you have shoulder impingement, these everyday movements might trigger a pinching or stabbing sensation as your shoulder shifts and puts pressure on the inflamed tendons.
Understanding these sensations can help you navigate daily activities with a bit more awareness.
Why Does It Hurt So Much?
The shoulder is a fascinating joint, packed with intricate components in a tight space, which unfortunately makes it prone to discomfort. When the tendons and bursa get inflamed, they may start to press against the bones in the shoulder, resulting in that sharp, nagging pain often linked to shoulder impingement.
This inflammation can be sparked by repetitive activities—like lifting, swimming, or even painting—or simply from overdoing it during physically intense tasks.
Additionally, poor posture can affect shoulder alignment, adding extra pressure on those tendons. Let’s not forget that as we age, our joints naturally experience wear and tear, increasing the chances of encountering these shoulder problems.
Other Common Symptoms of Shoulder Impingement
Pain is the primary symptom of shoulder impingement, but it often comes with other noticeable signs. Many people experience a sense of weakness in the affected arm, particularly when lifting or rotating it, which can make even light activities challenging.
There’s often a limited range of motion as well, with the shoulder feeling stiff or unable to reach its usual heights. Additionally, some people report a crackling or popping sensation when they move the shoulder, which can indicate further irritation within the joint.
Together, these symptoms give shoulder impingement its characteristic and often frustrating presence in day-to-day life.
When To See A Shoulder Specialist
If you're finding that your shoulder pain isn't getting better with rest or home remedies, or if it's really interfering with your everyday activities, it might be a good idea to consult a shoulder expert. Usually, physiotherapy is a great starting point, and if the pain continues, a steroid injection could provide some much-needed relief by reducing inflammation.
Surgery is typically a last resort, reserved for cases where other treatments haven’t worked and the pain is quite intense.
Shoulder impingement can be quite uncomfortable, but with the right care, most people experience relief through rest, gentle exercises, and perhaps a bit of guidance from a physiotherapist. If you're struggling with shoulder pain, it’s important to take action. Addressing it early can prevent further issues and help you return to the activities you love without the hassle of discomfort!
Book An Initial Appointment
I’m here to help you get back to doing the things you love, without the shoulder pain. Whether it’s advice, treatment, or just reassurance, feel free to reach out. We can develop a plan to get your shoulder feeling strong again.
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