Xiao Ming is a 50-year-old retired teacher. After retiring, he has plenty of time to take care of the garden at home every day, which has become his favorite daily activity. However, in recent months, he has begun to feel increasingly uncomfortable in his shoulders. At first, it was a slight soreness, but he thought it was muscle tension caused by exertion, so he didn't pay much attention to it. Over time, the pain intensified, sometimes affecting his daily activities and the quality of his sleep.
Yesterday, Xiao Ming came to the hospital and found his family doctor, Dr. Li. He sat in the consultation room, rubbing his sore shoulder, and recounted his symptoms: "Dr. Li, my shoulder has been hurting lately, especially in the evening and in the morning. Do I have frozen shoulder? ”
Definition and causes of frozen shoulder
Frozen shoulder is a condition in which inflammation or degenerative changes occur in the structures around the shoulder, including muscles, ligaments and bursa, resulting in limited movement and pain in the shoulder joint. It usually presents with shoulder pain and motor dysfunction, especially in middle-aged and older people.
Etiological analysis
The occurrence of frozen shoulder is closely related to a variety of factors, including:
Complexity of the shoulder structure:
The shoulder joint is one of the most flexible joints in the human body, consisting of the humeral head, shoulder blades, and collarbone, and is surrounded by up to dozens of muscles and multiple bursa. These structures work together to give the shoulder joint a wide range of motion, but it is also more susceptible to injury and inflammation.
Lifestyle Habits and Posture:
Long-term poor posture or repetitive movements (e.g., garden work, typing, etc.) can lead to fatigue and overuse of shoulder muscles and structures, which in turn can lead to frozen shoulder. For example, people like Xiao Ming, who like to be active in the garden for a long time, often repeat a pose for a long time, causing the muscles to become tired, and eventually develop frozen shoulder.
Typical symptoms: shoulder pain and limited movement
Frozen shoulder is a common symptom of shoulder pain that manifests as shoulder pain and limited movement. Understanding these two typical symptoms is essential for early recognition and effective action.
Shoulder pain
Shoulder pain is one of the most prominent symptoms of frozen shoulder, and patients often experience varying degrees of pain in the shoulder when moving or at rest. This pain can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, affecting the patient's daily life and productivity.
Pain characteristics and types:
The pain of frozen shoulder usually manifests as:
Dull or tingling: You may feel a deep pain in your shoulder when you exercise, sometimes accompanied by a burning or sore sensation.
Persistent pain: Pain may worsen after being in the same position or performing the same movements in the shoulder for an extended period of time.
Nighttime pain: Some patients also experience worsening shoulder pain when resting at night, affecting sleep quality.
Common areas of pain:
Areas of pain in frozen shoulder usually involve:
Above the shoulder blades: especially the area around the rotator cuff.
Outside of the upper arm: Along the shoulder to the junction of the upper arm, the pain may extend down to the arm.
Triggers and precautions:
Common triggers for shoulder pain include:
Poor posture: Maintaining a single posture for a long time, such as using a computer or driving a car for long periods of time during office work.
Sports injuries: Incorrect movement posture or excessive use of the shoulder.
Age factor: As we age, shoulder tissues are susceptible to damage and inflammation.
Restricted activity
In addition to pain, frozen shoulder is manifested by a marked decrease in the range of motion of the shoulder joint, known as limitation of motion. This symptom limits the patient's ability to move in daily life and requires prompt attention and treatment.
Manifestations and Impacts:
Key manifestations of activity limitation include:
Difficulty raising your hand: Significant discomfort or inability to fully elevate your arm to a parallel position.
Difficulty brushing or dressing: Feeling significant stiffness or resistance in your shoulders in everyday life, such as brushing your hair and putting on your coat.
Functional loss: Limitation of activity has a direct impact on the patient's daily life and productivity, and may reduce quality of life.
Daily care and precautions
Once you understand the causes of shoulder pain and limited mobility, you can take the following daily care and preventive actions to help reduce symptoms and prevent your condition from getting worse:
Hot and cold compresses: During pain attacks, warm compresses can be used to promote circulation and muscle relaxation, or cold compresses can be used after activity to reduce inflammation.
Proper rest and exercise: Avoid staying in the same position for long periods of time, and perform regular shoulder stretches and strengthening exercises to improve muscle support and flexibility.
Correct posture: Maintain proper sitting and standing posture at work and in life, use supportive chairs and mattresses, and reduce pressure on the shoulders and neck.
Avoid overuse: Take care to avoid overuse of the shoulder, such as lifting weights, holding objects for long periods of time, etc., and avoid strenuous sports or activities.
Balance & Supplementation: Maintain a healthy diet with adequate intake of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D and calcium, to support bone and muscle health.
Regular check-up and treatment: Regular check-up of shoulder health, if there is pain or abnormal feelings, seek medical attention in time to avoid deterioration of the condition.
By taking these daily care and preventive measures, you can effectively manage the symptoms of frozen shoulder, improve shoulder health, and improve your quality of life. Early recognition and response to the typical symptoms of frozen shoulder is essential for the health of middle-aged and elderly people.