Chronic Shoulder Pain: Living With Pain
I’m dealing with chronic shoulder pain, and you? Find out what coping strategies help people with chronic pain.
Chronic shoulder pain is horrible, awful, and life crippling. I know, I’ve got it. Just the right movement, just too much work and it is there. Dull and aching. Medication helps but not as much as to take away the sensation of the pain. For those who are dealing with regular pain in their shoulder, or any other area, know that you are not alone. Some strategies can help you to reduce the pain at least somewhat.
Avoid Strain
Beyond anything else, the best way to avoid potentially worsening the situation is to avoid strain. I’m often that hard headed person that goes to get something off the top shelf myself or doesn’t wait for someone else to pick up the box. The problem is, this worsens the condition and sends shooting pain throughout the shoulder and back.
Exercise and Stretch
Chronic shoulder pain can be minimized by regular exercise and stretching. Each morning, spend some time stretching the arm. Do rotations, extend your arm and pull at your shoulder, and even just got a good massage on it. These things loosen the muscle which, when not in use (such as at night) tightens up. Exercise is also good, as long as you do not go too far. I like to swim since it loosens the joints and muscles softly.
Spot Worsening Symptoms
When I first started having pain, it hurt badly enough to get me to the doctor. After a while, it became something I lived with. But, you have to know when there is pain that’s more intense than normal or when it becomes something you think about more often. This worsening situation needs medical help and treatment.
Chronic shoulder pain is horrible and often holds people back, but there is help available to most. The key is to know how to manage your pain daily.