Dislocations may be partial or incomplete, however no matter the type or direction of dislocation the shoulder will become instable and unsteady, and often times painful. When you lift your arm over your head, the shoulder may feel as if it is slipping out of place or an uncomfortable, unusual feeling that some people refer to as having a “dead” arm.
Shoulder pain can also result from arthritis. There are many types of arthritis, but generally, it involves wear and tear changes with inflammation of the joint, causing swelling, pain and stiffness. Arthritis may be related to sports or work injuries.
There are many way to approach shoulder pain. Typically, the initial approach is conservative, including altering activities and physical therapy to improve flexibility and strength of the shoulder. Nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory medications, like aspirin and ibuprofen, are sometimes given for pain relief. Injections of drugs into the joint may also be used. Often common sense and listening to your body can be the best medicine to relieve shoulder pain.
Ninety percent of patients with shoulder pain will respond to the conservative therapy described above, however, surgery may be required to resolve those that do not respond. In particular, certain types of shoulder problems, such as recurring dislocation and some rotator cuff tears may require surgery.
Time is one of the best cures, and it is safe therefore to wait a few days to see if time will alleviate minor shoulder symptoms. However, in the case of an acute injury, if the pain is intense, you should seek medical care as soon as possible. Orthopedists are specifically trained in the workings of the musculoskeletal system, including the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of problems involving muscles, bones, joints, ligaments and tendons.