Nearly 25% of American adults experience regular joint pain. It’s normal to have some aches and pains from time to time, especially if you do physical work.
But for the shoulder pain that won’t go away after several days, it’s time to start worrying about why it’s still bothering you and what could be causing it. When should you skip the home remedies and see a doctor?
Read on to find out.
At Home Remedies for Shoulder Pain That Won’t Go Away
Before you go to the doctor for shoulder pain that won’t go away, you can try some at-home remedies to offer shoulder pain relief. Start by icing the affected area for 20 minutes a few times a day. This at-home shoulder pain treatment will help reduce inflammation.
You can also take over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen forpain management. If you’re experiencing severe pain, you can also try applying heat to the affected area. Apply moist heat with a heating pad and then switch to dry heat if it gets too hot or uncomfortable.
Moreover, try not to rest with your arm up and outstretched as this could cause more damage. Try to keep it close to your body while resting as much as possible.
It’s best not to strain your shoulders so avoid any heavy lifting, twisting motions, or other activities that could aggravate them. Take time off from work if necessary until you feel better.
When to See a Doctor
If your shoulder pain still won’t go away, it may be time to see a doctor. Persistent shoulder pain can be caused by a variety of things, including injuries, arthritis, and even everyday wear and tear. A doctor can help diagnose the cause of your pain and recommend treatment options.
If the pain is severe or persists for more than a few days, make an appointment to see your doctor. You shouldn’t wait more than a week to schedule an appointment for shoulder pain that won’t go away.
You should also seek medical attention if your symptoms worsen, if you have any signs of nerve damage in your arm (such as numbness or tingling), or if other joints in your body hurt at the same time. Your shoulder pain doctor will ask about any recent trauma to the shoulder, possible causes for symptoms like overuse, and past medical history when evaluating shoulder pain.
How to Describe Pain in Shoulder to a Doctor
When you see your doctor about shoulder pain, be prepared to describe the pain in as much detail as possible. Try preparing answers for the following questions:
- When did the pain start?
- What does it feel like?
- Is it constant or does it come and go?
- Are there any activities that make the pain worse?
- What, if any, at-home treatments have helped?
You may even find it helpful to place your pain on a scale from mild to unbearable. The more information you can give your doctor, the better they’ll be able to help you find relief.
Get More Health and Wellness Tips Today
Shoulder pain that won’t go away can get unbearable, making it hard to even do basic daily tasks. Aside from home remedies, sometimes the only option is to buckle down and see a doctor.
If you’re still wondering about other health-related questions, check out our blog. We offer a variety of health and wellness tips that can help you feel better today!